Mr. Biden arrives in Japan, strengthens alliances in Asia

President Joe Biden arrives in Japan on May 22. Photo: REUTERS

Biden’s three-day visit to Japan comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues and China pursues an assertive policy in claiming claims in the region, Kyodo News reported.

Previously, Mr. Biden visited South Korea from May 20.

As scheduled, on May 24, US President Biden will meet Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace before meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the State Guest House.

On the same day, Mr. Biden will announce the first major US economic initiative in the Indo-Pacific to increase cooperation with partners on supply chain issues, standards for the digital economy and infrastructure. floor.

Mr. Biden also met with the families of Japanese abductees by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. These families hope the United States can help solve the problem as the detainees are aging and running short of time. time to reunite.

At the end of the day, the US President will attend the reception of Prime Minister Kishida at Happoen – a typical Japanese-style garden with tea houses, ponds and ornamental plants.

The two leaders can take a stroll in the garden, while the prime minister’s wife Yuko Kishida is expected to demonstrate the traditional way of serving tea, Japanese government sources said.

On May 24, US President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida will join the leaders of the Diamond Quartet to attend the second face-to-face summit. These countries are working to increase their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japanese officials hope the events will help build a personal relationship between Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida.

Biden last visited Japan in 2013, as vice president of the United States in the administration of President Barack Obama.

US First Lady Jill Biden did not accompany Mr. Biden on this visit. She went to Japan last summer to attend the Tokyo Olympics.