Blinken Says US-Japan Ties Rock Solid Despite Rift Over Steel Deal

Blinken had been in Seoul in part to push to preserve three-way cooperation by the United States, Japan and South Korea. (Credit: AFP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisted during a visit to Tokyo on Tuesday that ties with Japan were stronger than ever, days after President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's takeover of US Steel.

Business groups say the decision could have a chilling effect on Japan's standing as the biggest foreign investor in the United States, just as Washington seeks closer ties with Tokyo to counter China.