- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Japan next week, marking his first trip to the country since becoming PM.
- Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will discuss increased cooperation on economic security, defense, and strengthening supply chains.
- The leaders will also exchange views on China, as Japan seeks to explain its position amid strained relations with Beijing.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear about the news?

B: No, what happened? Something exciting?

A: Yeah! The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is coming to Japan!

B: Wow, really? When?

A: Probably next week, sometime after the middle. It'll be his first time here since he started his job.

B: That’s cool! What are they going to talk about?

A: Mostly about working together on things like security and defense. Apparently, they want to make sure supply chains are strong too.

B: Supply chains? Like, for all the electronics?

A: Exactly! He’s also going to China before he comes here.

B: Oh, interesting! So they’ll probably talk about China then, too?

A: Yep! Prime Minister Takaichi wants him to understand Japan’s view on things. Things haven't been so good between Japan and China lately.

B: I see... They met briefly at that G20 thing in South Africa, right?

A: You’re right! They had a quick chat then.

B: And isn't the election campaign starting soon?

A: It is! Next Tuesday! But Takaichi wants to do this meeting anyway, even while campaigning.

B: Busy, busy! Well, that's interesting news!