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Biden, Suga call for ‘peace and stability across Taiwan Strait’
- First mention of Taiwan in a joint statement by the leaders of the US and Japan since 1969 looks set to infuriate Beijing
- Two sides also discussed Xinjiang and a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’, Suga says
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The United States and Japan called for “peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait” in a joint statement released after a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga who reaffirmed their commitment to counter China’s “intimidation” in the East and South China seas in wide-ranging talks.
It is the first time since 1969 that the top leaders of the two countries mentioned Taiwan in a joint statement, a move that is set to infuriate Beijing.
“We underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues,” the statement said.
At a joint press conference at the White House on Friday, Suga said the two sides discussed “circumstances in Taiwan and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region”, but declined to provide details “since it pertains to diplomatic exchanges”.
The two sides also discussed “the free and open Indo-Pacific”, he said.
“We agreed that while Japan and the US will take the lead to promote the vision through concrete efforts, we will also cooperate with other countries and regions, including Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations], Australia and India.
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