TOKYO — U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel in his outgoing remarks Friday defended U.S. forces abroad as “the thin blue line” and hinted at his further involvement in public life when he returns to the United States.

China, North Korea and Iran are part of an "axis of autocrats" and the United States and its allies are the "thin blue line" protecting democracy, the outgoing US ambassador to Japan said on Friday in a parting shot at Beijing.

US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has taken a jab at China mere weeks before he steps down. In remarks to reporters, he referred to China as an "autocracy."

The United States and Japan are working "together to strengthen and build more resilient supply chains, critical minerals security, shaping the rules of things like artificial intelligence," said Secretary Blinken.

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,

The president said he was moving to protect national security in deciding the fate of the iconic Pennsylvania-based company, which became a contentious political issue in an election year.

President Joe Biden on Friday announced he has blocked the controversial $14.9 billion sale of US Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel, citing a strategic need to protect domestic industry.There was rare bipartisan agreement on the issue,

Nippon Steel touted the $14.9 billion deal as a lifeline for its rusting US rival, but opponents warned that the Japanese firm would slash jobs -- despite assurances to the contrary.

President Joe Biden blocked the $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel — something he had first vowed to do in March.

Japan's prime minister on Monday urged Washington to dispel concerns that a decision by Joe Biden to block Nippon Steel's takeover of US Steel could impact future investments. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said the veteran Democrat's decision had sparked worries over future Japanese investments in the world's largest economy.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Japan on Tuesday for talks expected to address North Korean missile launches, but President Joe Biden's blocking of a steel deal is straining the allies' warm ties.

President Joe Biden has rejected the nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel.