US, Japan boost scientific cooperation on defence against hypersonic weapons amid China concerns
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In a joint statement released following dialogue between the two countries’ diplomatic and defence ministers – the so-called 2+2 meeting, held annually – they pledged to “work together to deter and, if necessary, respond to [China’s] destabilising activities in the region”.
That coordination would include research collaboration between the two countries’ scientists on “emerging defence-related issues”, including countering hypersonic threats and advancing space-based capabilities, Blinken said at the start of the meeting.
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“When Japanese and American researchers bring their complementary strengths to bear, we can out-compete and out-innovate anyone,” Blinken said.