Japan and US deepen military ties in bid to counter China, North Korea

Japan and the US have further deepened security ties amid growing tensions in the region. The two countries agreed to increase cooperation on scientific research related to military technologies. Tokyo and Washington cited China’s growing military presence in the region as a cause for concern, as well as ongoing missile tests by North Korea. It follows a “historic” deal signed between Japan and Australia, Japan’s first military agreement with another country since the US defence pact in 1960.