Biden praises Japan’s leader at White House
President Biden praised Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s “bold leadership” on a series of global crises as he welcomed the Japanese leader to the White House on Wednesday for wide-ranging talks that touched on the delicate security situation in the Pacific, the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and more.
Kishida’s official visit, which concluded with a glitzy state dinner at the White House on Wednesday evening, completes the Democratic administration’s feting of the leaders of the Quad, the informal partnership among the United States, Japan, Australia, and India that the White House has focused on elevating since Biden took office. As administration officials put it, they saved the most pivotal relationship for last.
“The unbreakable alliance between Japan and the United States is the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” Biden said as he welcomed Kishida to a pomp-filled arrival ceremony on the White House South Lawn.
The visit also marks the realization of Japan’s transformation from regional player to that of global influencer — with senior Biden administration officials noting appreciatively there is little the United States does across the globe that Tokyo doesn’t support. They pointed to Japan’s eagerness to take a leading role in trying to bolster Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and with the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“The cooperation between our countries bound together by common values and commitment has become a global one with the scope and depth covering outer space and the deep sea,” Kishida said. “Today, the world faces more challenges and difficulties than ever before. Japan will join hands with our American friends, and together, we will lead the way in tackling the challenges of the Indo-Pacific region and the world while tirelessly developing the relationship.”
Kishida also announced that Japan is giving 250 cherry trees to the United States to mark
America’s coming 250th birthday in 2026.
Biden and Kishida are both confronting difficult political headwinds on the home front while trying to navigate increasingly complicated problems on the global stage. Like Biden, Kishida has been dogged by low approval ratings for much of his tenure.
At their Rose Garden press conference following their private Oval Office talks, Biden and Kishida sidestepped addressing in detail their discussion about the prospective US Steel acquisition. Biden said he stood by his commitment to American workers and fostering the Japanese alliance. Kishida noted the extensive investment both nations have made into each other’s economy and his hope for creating more “win-win” situations.
The leaders announced plans to upgrade US-Japan military relations, with both sides looking to tighten cooperation amid concerns about North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s increasing military assertiveness in the Pacific, according to the
White House.
The structural updates will focus on improving interoperability and planning between US and Japanese forces as well as exploring bolstering air defense capabilities, including with Australia. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia are also considering including Japan in the AUKUS defense partnership, a grouping launched in 2021 that aims to equip Australia with nuclear-powered and conventionally armed submarines.