Among the most important relationships that the incoming Biden administration must nurture is with Japan. The two nations — when teamed together — are proven potent counterweights to the increasing military challenges posed by China, North Korea and Russia in both Asia and beyond,

Unlike other bilateral U.S. ties, the relationship between former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and soon-to-be former President Donald Trump’s grew stronger over the past four years.

To respond to continued threats, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and President-elect Joe Biden must find ways to continue this relationship moving forward. One way to do this is through closer coordination on procurement of weapons and weapon components.