From Fortune:

1. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is opening its first office in a developed nation in Japan, signaling a focus on health security and geopolitical interests. The move comes amid tensions with China and plans to further strengthen alliances to monitor and counter disease outbreaks.

2. New CDC regional office in Japan will focus on sharing information, investing in health security, and addressing past deficiencies in information-sharing with China. The World Health Organization will continue to play an important role in international health research work.

3. Japan, with its success in low Covid-19 death rates and effective handling of the pandemic, becomes an attractive partner for the new CDC office. With a focus on health security, the CDC office will also contribute to US national interests and geopolitical goals in the region.

4. Leadership of the new CDC office will be under epidemiologist Michelle McConnell, who will continue to build strong partnerships throughout the region with countries like China, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The outreach will aim to ensure safety and protection through inter-regional collaboration.



Read more: CDC opens office in Tokyo amid rising geopolitical tensions with China