The Prime Ministers have signed an agreement to build closer defence, security and cyber ties. The agreement comes amid growing Chinese aggression. Sunak is the first Prime Minister to visit Hiroshima, where he joined his Japanese counterpart, Kishida, for dinner at his favourite restaurant.
After signing the Hiroshima Accord, the Prime Ministers sat down for dinner and discussed the possibility of further cooperation on military training. He also committed to deploying a naval fleet in the Indo-Pacific to reduce reliance on Beijing and doubling UK troops in joint exercises. He first hosted a reception for Japanese businesses in Tokyo, bringing nearly £18 billion of new investment in the UK.
Sunak attended the G7 summit in Tokyo where he sat down with allies to discuss support for Ukraine, against the Russian invasion. The threat of military aggression and economic coercion on Taiwan, from Chin’s end was also discussed. The British Prime Minister also discussed important bilateral matters with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The two leaders reported discussed a range of subjects including the India-UK free trade agreement and a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
While in Hiroshima, Sunak also tried out savoury Japanese pancakes ‘okonomiyaki’. He made some himself and particularly enjoyed the taste.
Post G7 summit, the possibility of snap elections in Japan, within the next few weeks, has increased. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is increasingly certain of his position as domestic support post G7 surges.
