The US ambassador to Japan says boosting arms industry ties is key to a stronger security alliance [Video]

In this photo provided by U.S. Embassy in Japan, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, center left, poses with the officials of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Lockheed, during his visit to a MHI’s F-35 fighter jet final assembly and inspection plant in the town of Toyoyama in the Aichi prefecture, western Japan, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (U.S. Embassy via AP)

TOKYO (AP) — The U.S. ambassador to Japan urged Tokyo on Tuesday to take a greater role in developing, producing and supplying weapons “to enhance our collective security” amid conflict in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere.

The United States alone can no longer supply all democracies, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel said during a visit to a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ F-35 fighter jet factory. He stressed the importance of stronger defense industry cooperation between the allies.

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