Britain, Japan sign defense pact in London

STORY: Kishida and Sunak signed the reciprocal access defense agreement, agreed in principle last May, a month after the two countries teamed up with Italy on a new fighter jet program.

The visit and agreement form part of Britain's Indo-Pacific tilt in foreign policy strategy as it builds security and trade ties in the region.

Kishida is visiting Britain as part of a tour of Group of Seven (G7) countries including France, Italy, Canada and the United States. Japan currently holds the G7 presidency.

Underpinning the desire for closer ties, Britain and Japan have also both described China as a challenge in the Indo-Pacific region.