British Prime Minister Theresa May expressed on Thursday unity with Japan in face of the threat from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) following the launch of a ballistic missile over Japan on Tuesday and promised UK and Japan would speed of sanctions against the DPRK.
May arrived in Japan on Wednesday for a three-day visit, her first official visit to the country since taking office.
"We condemn North Korea (DPRK) in the strongest words possible for a reckless act which was a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions," May told reporters at a joint press briefing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) speaks during a joint press conference at the state guesthouse in Tokyo, August 31, 2017. /AFP Photo
British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) speaks during a joint press conference at the state guesthouse in Tokyo, August 31, 2017. /AFP Photo
"In response to this illegal action, Prime Minister Abe and I had agreed to work together and with others in the international community to strengthen pressure against North Korea (DPRK) including by increasing the pace of sanctions," May added.
Britain proposed new UN sanctions against the DPRK to target its guest workers who worked overseas. The UK claimed that these workers’ wages are also a vital source of revenue for Pyongyang.
Last week, Japan also expanded its own sanctions against the DPRK.
British Prime Minister Theresa May (3rd L) and members of Japan's National Security Council pose for the media prior to their meeting at Abe's official residence in Tokyo, August 31, 2017. /AFP Photo
British Prime Minister Theresa May (3rd L) and members of Japan's National Security Council pose for the media prior to their meeting at Abe's official residence in Tokyo, August 31, 2017. /AFP Photo
May’s remarks were made after she attended a Japanese meeting of the National Security Council Thursday. May is reportedly just the second foreign leader to attend top security meeting after Australia’s then-prime minister Tony Abbott in 2014.
Japan’s government spokesperson Yoshihide Suga commented that May’s show-up at Japan’s top security meeting highlighted close ties between Britain and Japan.
Earlier on Thursday, May also visited a US naval base on the outskirts of Tokyo with Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera. May told Onodera the visit gives her a sign that two countries could cooperate more on defense.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May (podium L) and Japan's Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera (podium R) review the honor guard during their visit to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)'s helicopter carrier Izumo at JMSDF Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, August 31, 2017. /AFP Photo
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May (podium L) and Japan's Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera (podium R) review the honor guard during their visit to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)'s helicopter carrier Izumo at JMSDF Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, August 31, 2017. /AFP Photo
On the other hand, Japan’s Ministry of Defense on Thursday announced a highest-ever budget request for the fiscal year 2018 to beef up its missile defense system. If approved, it would mark the sixth annual increase since Abe retook office in 2012.
May is also expected to meet Japanese Emperor Akihito on Friday. Analysts said May’s visit to Japan was an attempt to sooth Brexit fears and pushing early free-trade with Japan, the world’s number three economy, to move forward.
Earlier this year, Britain and Japan also signed a defense logistics treaty which allows two sides’ forces to share equipment, facilities and services.
Source(s): AFP