Britain’s next ambassador to Japan has named artificial intelligence and semiconductors as the top areas where she wants the two countries to work more closely. Corin Robertson made the comments on Wednesday in Tokyo.
She spoke at a news conference at the Japan National Press Club. Robertson holds the title of ambassador-designate, which means she has been named to the post but has not yet formally started.
Her remarks covered three main topics. These were technology, Britain’s coming G20 role, and the country’s ties with Europe.
Robertson said both Britain and Japan face economic challenges as AI and other new technologies reshape industries. She said the two nations should respond by working together.
She pledged to focus on developing future industries with Japan. She also said joint work in these fields can help drive economic growth in both countries.
Chips and AI at the Center
The ambassador-designate singled out AI and semiconductors as the key fields for closer ties. Both sectors were named directly in her remarks to reporters.
The two countries already have a framework for chip cooperation. In May 2023, Britain and Japan launched a semiconductors partnership as part of the Hiroshima Accord, signed by their leaders that year.
That accord also raised ties to an “enhanced global strategic partnership.” It covered defense, trade, science and technology.
Trade links between the two are also set out in formal agreements. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement took effect in January 2021, and Britain joined the CPTPP trade bloc, which includes Japan, in December 2024.
The two nations also share a large defense technology project. Britain, Japan and Italy are jointly developing a next-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme, announced in December 2022.
G20 Plans for AI Safety
Robertson also looked ahead to Britain’s turn leading the Group of 20. The country is set to hold the G20 presidency next year.
She indicated that Britain will use that role to promote international cooperation on the safe use of AI. The report of her remarks did not list specific proposals.
Both countries have led global AI talks before. Britain hosted the first global AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in November 2023, and Japan led the Hiroshima AI Process, a G7 effort on AI rules, during its G7 presidency that same year.
The G20 brings together 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union. Britain and Japan are both members.
Robertson also addressed Britain’s ties with Europe. She referred to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s willingness to rebuild the country’s relationship with the European Union.
Britain formally left the EU at the end of January 2020. Japan has its own Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU, which has been in force since February 2019.
“I think a closer U.K.-EU relationship is good for both, and I think it’s also good for Japan,” Robertson told reporters.
