President Joe Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for a state visit, underlining his commitment to strengthening crucial partnerships in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's growing influence. The visit included a pivotal Oval Office meeting, where both leaders discussed over 70 items covering various critical sectors.
During the bilateral meeting, Biden and Kishida are expected to announce significant changes, including improving the integration of Japanese and US forces, establishing a "military industrial council" for co-producing defense weapons, and enhancing anti-missile defense cooperation with Australia.
These announcements mark a major update to the nations' military alliance. However, implementing these changes will take time, particularly the adjustments to the US force structure, which could require several months of collaboration between both countries.
In his remarks at the official arrival ceremony, Biden praised the strong alliance between the two democracies, highlighting Japan's gift of cherry trees over a century ago as a symbol of their friendship. Japan has pledged to plant 250 new trees along the Tidal Basin to honor the US's 250th birthday in 2026.
Biden also acknowledged the history of conflict between the US and Japan, noting his visit to Hiroshima last year and the importance of choosing friendship over continued animosity. He emphasized the role of their democracies as beacons of freedom worldwide.
The leaders are expected to announce collaborations in space exploration, with Japan expressing interest in sending its first astronaut to the Moon. They will also discuss ways to increase people-to-people ties, including initiatives for student exchanges and joint research projects in artificial intelligence.
Despite their growing cooperation, differences have emerged on the economic front, particularly regarding Japan's acquisition of US Steel. Biden has expressed the importance of American ownership and operation of the company, while Kishida has described the acquisition as an "investment" in the US.
The meeting between Biden and Kishida comes ahead of the first-ever leaders' summit between the US, Japan, and the Philippines, as Biden seeks to strengthen ties with Pacific allies amid challenges from China and North Korea.
Japan has been a key partner in Biden's efforts to build alliances in the Indo-Pacific, with Kishida supporting a shift in Japan's defense posture and providing support to Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.
While the visit will see the announcement of several defense and diplomatic agreements, officials also highlighted the symbolic significance of the cherry trees donated by Japan, calling it one of the most important diplomatic gifts in US history.
As the leaders reaffirm their alliance, there is also recognition of the uncertainty among American allies regarding the future of US foreign policy, especially with the potential return of former President Donald Trump to the Oval Office.
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