FT: Britain and Japan intend to sign a military pact and contain the "threat" from ChinaMOSCOW, November 6/ Sputnik Radio.
London and Tokyo may sign a military agreement to strengthen cooperation with Washington and counter the "threat" from Beijing, the Financial Times newspaper writes, citing sources.
The agreement will simplify the conduct of joint exercises and cooperation in the field of logistics between the countries, will minimize bureaucratic formalities when sending troops from one country to another, the article says.
It is expected that in December, the UK and Japan will also announce details of the partnership within the framework of the joint development of new fighter jets.
The FT interlocutors said Tokyo is "at an advanced stage of negotiations" with Washington over the acquisition of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which, if necessary, will allow hitting targets in the eastern part of China.
The final agreement on the pact and cooperation on fighter jets depends on the political situation in the UK.
A representative of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom told the publication that negotiations with Japan are "progressing positively," adding that it is inappropriate to comment on the possible signing of the RAA "now."
Earlier, Sputnik radio told why the United States is transferring F-22 Raptor fighters to its base in Japan.