Japan and Britain have officially agreed to launch a new framework for dialogue among their economic and foreign ministers, a decision made during a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, 2024. This framework aims to address critical issues such as trade, security, and shared challenges, marking Japan's second 'two-plus-two' format, similar to its existing arrangement with the United States [55bffe58].
The dialogue comes at a time when both nations are increasingly concerned about the implications of incoming U.S. tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump, who has proposed imposing tariffs on imports that could affect allies like Japan and Britain. The collaboration between Japan and Britain reflects their commitment to enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in light of rising tensions related to China's growing influence in the region. Both countries are dedicated to promoting a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific, which links security interests across Asia and Europe [55bffe58].
This new ministerial dialogue is expected to facilitate discussions on various economic security topics, including trade relations and defense strategies, as both nations seek to navigate the complexities of the current global trade environment. The establishment of this framework underscores the importance of maintaining robust economic ties and addressing mutual concerns amidst rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainties [55bffe58].