Reported about 1 year ago
Rahm Emanuel, the US Ambassador to Japan, expressed concerns over China's growing shipbuilding capability potentially surpassing the US and emphasized the need for Japan's support in addressing strategic challenges in Europe and Asia that are pressuring the US defense industry. The US and Japan agreed to establish the US-Japan Defense Industry Cooperation, Acquisition, and Maintenance Regular Agreement (DICAS) during a meeting, with the first DICAS meeting starting in Tokyo on the 9th involving officials like US Deputy Defense Secretary William LaPlante and Japan's Defense Equipment Director General Masataka Okutsu. Emanuel highlighted the importance of Japan's cooperation in maintaining US competitiveness against China by allowing the US to focus on building new ships while Japan handles repair and protection tasks, benefitting US deterrence efforts in the region.
Source: YAHOO