The Hiroshima Accord, signed a day prior to the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima, marks a milestone in defense, trade, and technology cooperation between the two nations.

Under this agreement, Japan and Britain will establish new collaborations in industrial science, innovation, technology, and semiconductors.

The focus will include expanding research and development efforts, promoting skills exchanges, and aiming to strengthen domestic chip production while enhancing supply-chain resilience.

The growing concern over potential disruptions in semiconductor supplies, particularly in light of tensions involving Taiwan, which currently accounts for a significant portion of global semiconductor production, including the majority of advanced chips, has prompted both countries to prioritize this critical area of cooperation.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and his British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, expressed their commitment to maintaining strategic advantage in science, technology, and innovation, including emerging fields like AI and quantum, in the recently signed accord.

Both leaders emphasized the critical role of semiconductors in key sectors and transformative digital technologies. As part of this partnership, Sunak is preparing a substantial £1 billion ($1.25 billion) investment in Britain's semiconductor industry.

In the realm of defense, the agreement entails London doubling the number of British troops participating in upcoming joint exercises.

It also confirms the return of the British carrier strike group to the Indo-Pacific in 2025, following its inaugural voyage to the region in 2021.

Notably, Japan and Britain are preparing to launch the fourth installment of their joint Vigilant Isles military exercise series, set to take place in Japan later this year.

This upcoming iteration will be the largest yet, involving approximately 170 British personnel. (ILKHA)