The US government on Friday welcomed and praised Japan's sale of Patriot missiles to the United States to replenish the US military stockpile.
The White House and the Pentagon have issued statements stating that the United States is contributing to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region through air defense equipment coming from Japan and by increasing the American stockpile.
To accommodate the deal, the Japanese government revised its export rules this week, which prohibit the sale of complete weapons systems. Missiles that can be used for US Patriot systems are also manufactured in Japan under a US license.
According to assessments, the Patriot missiles sold by Japan to the United States indirectly allow the US government to continue supplying Ukraine with military equipment. The US military stockpile has been depleted due to continuing shipments to Ukraine and cannot be replenished from domestic sources due to political controversy over aid to Ukraine.
At about the same time, the White House announced that an investigation would be opened into the case of the Japanese steel company Nippon, which intends to take over the dominant steel company in the United States, US Steel.
According to a statement issued by the economic advisor to the presidential office on Thursday, “the foreign acquisition of a famous American-owned company – even if it is an ally – requires serious attention due to its potential impact on national security and the supply chain.” . Leal Brainard drew attention to the fact that the relevant congressional committee will also participate in the investigation of the actions, and if the results justify this, the administration is ready to take the necessary measures.
The largest Japanese steel company, Nippon, announced at the beginning of the week an agreement to acquire US Steel, the largest industrial company in the United States, for approximately $14.1 billion.
Founded in 1901 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, US Steel was crucial to American manufacturing in the 20th century. Century, which can retain its name and headquarters even after a foreigner owns it. US Steel also operates plants abroad, among others in Kasa, which was recently reported to have been sold by several business sources.
The merger of Nippon and US Steel would create the world's third-largest steel company, but it would not be able to surpass China's largest steel companies in terms of size. China currently produces 54 percent of the world's steel production.
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