IRIA News

U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida revealed initiatives for military collaboration and various projects on April 10, 2024, as the Japanese leader arrived in Washington.

The two leaders announced cooperation in missile production and lunar exploration. These efforts aim to bolster their alliance with a focus on countering the influence of China and Russia.

During a joint news conference at the White House, the significance of Japan on the global stage and its relationship with the United States was underscored, as the two leaders addressed issues concerning Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, North Korea, and other international hotspots.

Biden and Kishida downplayed the disagreements between Tokyo and Washington regarding Nippon Steel’s proposal for U.S. Steel, emphasizing that it did not significantly impact their discussions during a day of elaborate ceremonies at the White House, culminating in a grand state dinner.

Together, Prime Minister Kishida and I have strengthened this Alliance and expanded our work.

We have raised our shared ambitions.

And now, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a beacon to the entire world.

There’s no limit to what our countries and our people can do together. pic.twitter.com/spbFvBSKam

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 11, 2024

“This represents the most substantial enhancement of our alliance since its inception,” Biden remarked following approximately two hours of deliberations centered on the volatile Indo-Pacific region and China’s behavior.

The leaders inked an agreement for Japan to furnish a rover to assist astronauts in conducting operations on the lunar surface. The U.S. pledged to allocate two astronaut flight opportunities for Japan on NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions to the moon. Highlighting this collaboration, Biden noted that the Japanese astronaut “will become the first non-American ever to land on the moon.”

Biden hailed Kishida as a “visionary and bold leader” for his efforts in aiding Ukraine amidst Russia’s invasion. He lauded Kishida’s initiatives to enhance Japan’s defense capabilities.

Kishida mentioned that he and Biden talked about the strained relations between Taiwan and China, affirming their commitment to upholding the international order rooted in the rule of law. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has recently asserted that external interference would not stop the island’s reunification with mainland China.

The alliance between Japan and the United States is a cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.

Ours is truly a global partnership.

For that, Mr. Prime Minister Kishida, I thank you. pic.twitter.com/tP3JwKRz3V

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 10, 2024

State Dinner at the White House

Biden hosted the Japanese Prime Minister and his wife for a state dinner that included a high-profile guest list including Former President Bill Clinton, former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Robert De Niro, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are among the distinguished guests.

Among the attendees were also cabinet members from the Biden Administration including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Additionally, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and White House chief of staff Jeff Zients.

The evening included a post-dinner performance by musician Paul Simon, one of the first lady’s favorite artists. First lady Jill Biden chose Simon to perform at the state dinner because Kishida also “shares an appreciation” for his work, a White House official said.

Trilateral summit

The leaders will also take part in a trilateral summit with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, another key regional ally who is arriving in Washington. The U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral meeting will focus on freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Last year, Biden also convened a similar trilateral gathering with Japan and South Korea to address the North Korean threat. These agreements have garnered backing from the Japanese populace, who perceive rising security risks from China, North Korea, and Russia.