Kyodo News reported on the 12th that the U.S. and Japanese governments plan to expand classified information sharing between U.S. forces and the Self-Defense Forces to strengthen deterrence.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are expected to discuss this as one of the ways to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance at a summit said to be held in the United States on the 19th (local time).
Kyodo News said the United States and Japan appear to be seeking to expand information sharing with an eye toward laying the groundwork for integrated decision-making.
In addition, the United States, during preliminary consultations before the summit, asked the Japanese side to strengthen cybersecurity, and Japan is said to be considering using a U.S. company's cloud service to protect Self-Defense Forces information and share classified information.
U.S. forces and the Self-Defense Forces are also envisioning creating a system that uses classified information and artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently select attack targets.
Separately, Kyodo News said there is a possibility that President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi will discuss joint missile production.
With missile demand increasing due to the prolonged war in Ukraine and U.S. strikes on Iran, the two countries are expected to move to increase missile production together by using the "U.S.-Japan defense industry cooperation, acquisition and maintenance regular consultations" framework.
Patriot missiles have reportedly been mentioned as candidates for increased production.
The upcoming summit is also expected to address as an agenda item the impact of the Middle East situation on the Indo-Pacific security environment and issues related to China.
Kyodo News observed that as China steps up economic coercion against Japan, including export restrictions, the U.S. and Japanese leaders will align their views on strengthening supply chains for energy and critical minerals.
China has pressured Japan and demanded a retraction of the remark since Prime Minister Takaichi suggested in November last year in the National Diet that Japan could "intervene in the event of a contingency in Taiwan."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi said in the House of Representatives (lower house) that the U.S. side explored the option of delivering an address to Congress during this visit to the United States, but it was put on hold due to scheduling.
Regarding a possible joint statement by the United States and Japan in light of the Middle East situation, Takaichi said, "It would be good if we can reach agreements that serve Japan's national interests," adding, "We are coordinating, including whether to exchange any documents."