Japan, US to agree to step up joint development of defense equipment

U.S Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said the leaders of Japan and the United States are expected to agree next week to step up cooperation on joint development and production of defense equipment.

He spoke at a Washington think tank on Wednesday, a week before a summit between the two leaders in the United State.Arrangements are being made for the two leaders to confirm they will review the command and control framework for Japan's Self-Defense Forces and U.S forces in Japan, to enable their smooth cooperation.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss cooperation on economic security, and aim to boost deterrence and response capability of the Japan-US alliance.