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Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida hail US-Japan ties, announce 70 deals as they vow to continue China dialogue
- Agreements spanning defence, space, culture, diplomacy and research come amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions and Tokyo’s more robust role in the region
- ‘We agreed that our two countries will continue to respond to challenges concerning China through close coordination,’ Japanese leader says
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Mark Magnierin New York
In substance and symbolism, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday conveyed the strong ties binding their two nations as they announced a raft of agreements spanning defence, space, culture, diplomacy and research.
The show of unity – ahead of a trilateral summit Thursday with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr – comes as tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific region and Japan takes a more robust role in countering China while Washington grapples with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“The US-Japan alliance is a beacon to the entire world,” Biden declared at a press conference with Kishida in the White House Rose Garden. “There is no limit [to] what our countries and our people can do together. So thank you for your partnership, your leadership and your friendship.”
The two leaders outlined in broad terms some 70 agreements, many reflecting a more muscular China.
“We agreed that our two countries will continue to respond to challenges concerning China through close coordination,” Kishida said through a translator, citing the importance of a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
“At the same time, we confirmed the importance of continuing our dialogue with China and cooperating with China on common challenges.”
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