Japan, Britain Boost Cybersecurity, Critical Minerals Amid China's Growing Influence

• Japan and the UK agreed to fast-track cooperation on cybersecurity and critical minerals supply due to concerns over China's expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• British PM Keir Starmer's visit to Tokyo followed talks in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where a 'strategic partnership' was discussed.
• The agreement includes deepening collective security, strengthening economic resilience, and a new cyber strategic partnership to protect economies from digital threats.
• Japan is enhancing its cybersecurity due to vulnerabilities, especially with its military buildup and closer ties with the US and other partners.
• Both nations will work on diversifying critical mineral supply chains and supporting a free multilateral trade system, including expanding the CPTPP.

Why It Matters: Japan and Britain are strengthening cybersecurity and critical mineral cooperation to counter China's regional influence.