Japan and US Strengthen Missile Cooperation and Joint Drills Amid Rising China Pressure

Japan and the US have reached an agreement to expand missile cooperation and conduct joint military drills, particularly in the southwest region of mainland Japan. The move is seen as a response to China's growing military presence and pressure in the region.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met with Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth in Washington to pledge further cooperation, including critical mineral supply chain security. The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing defense capabilities, focusing on areas like missile defense and joint drills, especially in the strategically important southwest region, including Okinawa.

The agreement comes amidst tensions with China over Taiwan and the need to secure rare earth minerals critical for defense technologies.