Asahi noted that the Japanese and British governments are likely to conclude an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA) next week, noting that the UK would be Japan’s first European ACSA partner. A signing ceremony will be held in London. As the incoming U.S. administration’s Asia policy is still elusive, Japan is eager to deepen security coordination with Asian and European partners to hold China’s growing presence in check. Japan is also hoping to seal similar defense deals with France and Canada.