American defense companies are hurting the nation’s security interests by prioritizing share buybacks over delivering weapons to the US military and its allies, according to the outgoing US envoy to Japan.

The departing U.S. ambassador arguably oversaw the most consequential shift in the U.S.-Japan alliance in decades.

Tokyo, Jan. 9 (Jiji Press)--U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel on Thursday gave the view that President Joe Biden's order blocking Nippon Steel Corp.'s acquisition of United States Steel Corp. will have minimal impact on overall Japan-U.S. relations.

US envoy to Japan Rahm Emanuel said contractors prioritising stock buy-backs over timely arms deliveries could harm national security American defence companies are hurting the nation's security interests by prioritising share buy-backs over delivering weapons to the US military and its allies,

W ITHIN 24 HOURS on January 6th, two events took place that encapsulate the mixed legacy Joe Biden will leave in America’s relationship with Japan. That afternoon North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile,

Outgoing US envoy to Japan Rahm Emanuel said the firms are more focused on increasing their stock value than on investing in production capacity. This has contributed to delays in weapons shipments, which could harm US security and weaken American alliances,

They had been stuck there for around 24 hours due to severe weather conditions, and were trapped in sub-zero temperatures in a state of hypothermia.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second left, eats next to U.S. Ambassador Japan Rahm Emanuel, left, as they visit Daiwa Sushi restaurant at Toyosu Market in Tokyo Tuesday, Jan.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel on Thursday played down concerns over the potential repercussions from President Joe Biden's decision to block the $14.1 billion acquisition of United States Steel Corp.