Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
US, Japan deepen security alliance; hail Quad
WASHINGTON: Explicitly stating that China’s actions in the IndoPacific have been “inconsistent with the rules-based international order”, US President Joe Biden and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have said that the US-Japan alliance remains the “cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific” and termed Quad as a “force for good”.
In the course of what analysts have termed as a historic visit to Washington DC, Biden hosted Kishida at the White House on Friday. In a joint statement released at the end of the meeting - which comes in the backdrop of high-level engagement between foreign and defence ministers of both countries under the 2+2 format, and the Japanese PM’s trip to Europe over the past week - the two countries said their “security alliance has never been stronger”. The US reiterated its
“unwavering commitment” to Japan’s defence, including the Senkaku Islands - a disputed area which China has claimed as its own - and lauded Tokyo’s recent moves to reorient its national security and defence posture.
The US and Japan also affirmed the importance of two institutional mechanisms which have India as a key partner Quad and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
Stating that they will collaborate with others in the region and beyond for the benefit of Indo-Pacific and the world, the US and Japan said that “together with Australia and India”, they will ensure that Quad remains a force for good “committed to bringing tangible benefits to the region, including by delivering results on global health, cybersecurity, climate, critical and emerging technologies, and maritime domain awareness”.
In a separate policy speech at the Johns Hopkins University in
Washington DC, Kishida outlined Japan’s engagement with G7, the US, the global South and underscored the importance of India. “India is this year’s G20 Presidency and a partner with shared fundamental values and strategic interests. India is expected to surpass China’s population and stands as the world’s largest democracy.”
Kishida said that Tokyo will further enhance the “Japan-India Special Strategic Global Partnership” and continue to work together in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Japan is the current chair of the G-7, and has also just got elected to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the next two years.