The UK's HMS Prince of Wales, leading a 12-nation carrier strike group, made its first port call in Tokyo. UK Defense Secretary John Healey and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani hailed the visit as a sign of deepening strategic alignment between their countries. This cooperation includes a joint fighter jet development project (Global Combat Air Program) with Italy, aiming for a contract by year's end. The visit underscores Japan's efforts to strengthen security ties beyond the US to counter China's growing regional influence.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.