Japan and U.S. vow to defend open economic order amid threats from China and Russia

Washington – The top foreign and economic officials of the United States and Japan on Friday vowed to work together to defend an open, rules-based international economic order and address the vulnerabilities in their supply chains for key technologies such as semiconductors during their first “two-plus-two” economic meeting.

The agreement underscored the growing awareness among the two close allies that enhancing economic security is vital for their overall security at a time when China is increasing not only its military might, but also its economic clout in the Indo-Pacific. The talks also came as Russia’s war in Ukraine creates food and energy supply concerns.