Mr. Biden called Mr. Kishida a ‘good friend’, committed to defending Japan

US President Joe Biden (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Tokyo, May 23 – Photo: REUTERS

“The US-Japan alliance has long been the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and the United States remains fully committed to defending Japan,” Biden said at the start of the talks. with Mr. Kishida at Akasaka Palace, Tokyo, May 23.

The two sides are expected to discuss Japan’s plans to expand its military capabilities and reach to counter China’s growing presence.

The two countries are also expected to reaffirm their close ties in the face of the Russia-Ukraine hostilities.

According to Reuters news agency, there are two worrying issues emerging in Asia today. One is China’s growing power; the second is Beijing’s relationship with Russia and Taiwan.

The North Korean issue is also expected to be on the agenda of the incumbent US president. Later on May 23, Mr. Biden is expected to meet the families of Japanese people kidnapped years ago to train as spies in North Korea.

At the heart of Biden’s agenda in Japan is the launch of the US Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), a program that aims to tie nations more closely together. adopt common standards in areas including supply chain resilience, clean energy, infrastructure, and digital commerce.

The two leaders chat before starting the welcoming ceremony at Akasaka Palace – Photo: REUTERS

On May 24, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida are expected to participate in the Summit of the Quartet of Diamonds (QUAD) with the leaders of Australia and India in Tokyo.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Tokyo for the conference.

Before meeting Mr. Kishida, Mr. Biden met with Emperor Naruhito. According to the Imperial Household Agency, this is the second time that Emperor Naruhito has received a US president since taking the throne in May 2019.

Before that, the Emperor received President Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, in 2019 when Mr. Trump made a state visit to Japan.