U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi [EPA Yonhap News]

The U.S. and Japanese governments plan to expand the sharing of classified information between U.S. forces and the Self-Defense Forces to enhance deterrence, Kyodo News reported on the 12th.

It is expected that U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will discuss these matters related to strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance at a summit meeting expected to be held in the United States on the 19th (local time).

Japan and the U.S. appear to be aiming to expand information sharing with a view to preparing the foundation for integrated decision-making, Kyodo News reported.

Furthermore, the U.S. requested an enhancement of cybersecurity from the Japanese side in preliminary consultations prior to the summit. In response, Japan is reportedly considering using cloud services from U.S. companies to protect Self-Defense Forces information and share classified information.

U.S. forces and the Self-Defense Forces are also considering plans to create a system for efficiently selecting attack targets using classified information and artificial intelligence (AI).

Separately, there is a possibility that President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi will discuss joint missile production, Kyodo News reported.

Amidst increased missile demand due to the prolonged war in Ukraine and U.S. airstrikes on Iran, it appears that both countries will jointly pursue increased missile production by utilizing the 'Japan-U.S. Defense Industry Cooperation, Acquisition, and Maintenance Regular Consultations' system.

Patriots are reportedly being mentioned as candidates for the increased missile production.

The summit is also expected to address the impact of the Middle East situation on the Indo-Pacific security environment and issues related to China.

Kyodo News observed that as China intensifies economic pressure on Japan, such as export controls, the leaders of Japan and the U.S. will coordinate their recognition on strengthening supply chains for energy and critical minerals.

China has been pressuring Japan and demanding the withdrawal of remarks made by Prime Minister Takaichi in the Diet last November, where she implied intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi stated at the House of Representatives on the same day that the U.S. side had inquired about the possibility of her delivering a speech to Congress during her visit to the U.S., but it was decided to postpone it due to scheduling conflicts.

Regarding a joint statement considering the Middle East situation, she said, "It would be good if a promise is made regarding what is in Japan's national interest," adding, "We are coordinating on whether to exchange documents or not, among other things."