Karina Bovsunovska20:57, 10.06.24

According to the diplomat, this should be done because of future threats.

US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel called on the country to help quickly replenish its missile arsenal , because the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continue, and Washington wants to maintain the reliability of its deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, AP writes .

“It is clear that the military-industrial base of the United States cannot meet all the strategic challenges we face and the obligations we have,” he said during the first talks between Japan and the United States to accelerate military-industrial cooperation.

According to him, those who want to harm the United States will not wait until the country’s industrial potential “builds up by itself.” 

The ambassador noted that China’s shipbuilding potential will surpass that of America’s and that repairs in Japan to US Navy ships and Air Force aircraft based in the region could free up American industrial capacity to focus on building new ships. 

The publication recalled that this week talks are being held in Tokyo between US Undersecretary of Defense for Procurement and Supply William LaPlante and his Japanese counterpart Masaki Fukasawa, head of the Agency for Procurement, Technology and Logistics.

“They agreed to create working groups for the joint production of missiles, as well as for the maintenance and repair of US Navy ships and Air Force aircraft in the region,” the Japanese Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

In addition, a panel will be established to discuss strengthening the supply chain. 

In December, Japan is known to have eased arms export restrictions to meet a US request for PAC-3 surface-to-air missile interceptors, which are manufactured in Japan under US license, to supplement US stockpiles depleted by support for Ukraine.

Japan’s aid to Ukraine

As UNIAN wrote, the Japanese government is working on signing a new document with Ukraine , which provides for economic measures to support the reconstruction of the country. It is noted that preparations for negotiations between Prime Minister Kisida Fumio and President Volodymyr Zelenskyi are currently underway.

It was also reported that Japan increased pressure on Russia due to the purchase of weapons from the DPRK . 

“As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, it is extremely important to take measures in coordination with the international community,” the Japanese government said. 

(c)UNIAN 2024