Washington: US President Joe Biden has met with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House, where they discussed strengthening defence ties between the two countries. This is Biden’s fifth official state visit since becoming President, with these events usually reserved for the most significant US allies.
The state visits also highlight the strategic priorities of the administration, with the previous four state dinners, South Korea, India, and Australia, mainly focusing on the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s increasing military and economic assertiveness, as described by the US officials.
Beijing was a significant topic of discussion as Biden welcomed Kishida on the South Lawn of the White House. Biden acknowledged the strong and unwavering partnership between Japan and the US as a fundamental element of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and worldwide.
Kishida talked about the iconic cherry blossom trees gifted to the United States by Japan in 1912, which typically bloom in Washington, DC in spring. The Japanese PM stated that, “I am confident that the cherry blossom-like bond of the Japan-US alliance will continue to grow even thicker and stronger in the Indo-Pacific and in all corners of the world.”
During a meeting in the Oval Office, two men discussed up to 70 association deals in defence, space, and technology, according to officials who provided a preview of the event. In a joint press conference, Biden affirmed what he defined as the most important advancement in military links since the coalition between the two countries began.
Japan, Australia and the US plan to modernise their military command and control structures to increase coordination. They will also create a network of air missiles and defence architecture. This move aims to increase cooperation between key allies in the region.
The Biden administration strengthened the Quad strategic grouping and created the AUKUS security alliance with Australia and the United Kingdom to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The leaders of the US, Japan, and the Philippines are set to hold a trilateral meeting.
Chinese Xi Jinping and Biden showed a willingness to engage diplomatically. Japan will join future US space missions. They also announced a joint partnership to accelerate the development of nuclear fusion. Kishida and Biden discussed North Korea and security in the Taiwan Strait. Kishida drew a direct link between Russia’s war in Ukraine and concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
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