Biden, Japan PM boost defence ties

US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have unveiled their countries' biggest ever upgrade in defence ties during a White House state visit.

Biden rolled out the red carpet for Kishida with a lavish dinner, plus music by US singer Paul Simon, as he underscored Japan's importance as a key ally in the Asia-pacific region.

The two leaders even agreed that a Japanese astronaut will be the first non-american to walk on the Moon, as they sought to take the alliance to new heights.

"This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established," Biden, 81, told a press conference with Kishida in the White House

Rose Garden.

The two leaders unveiled plans to restructure the US military command in Japan, the biggest such change since the 1960s. The move is aimed at making US and Japanese forces more nimble in the event of threats.

The United States, Japan and Australia would also launch a joint air defence network, while Britain would take part in military exercises with Washington and Tokyo.

'Peace and stability'

For his part, Kishida hailed the Japan-us alliance as crucial for upholding peace and democracy in the region.

Yesterday, he host the first trilateral summit between Japan, the

Philippines and the United States.

US officials said the broader boost in ties was also aimed at reassuring allies of long-term support even if Donald Trump beats Biden in November's US presidential election.

The pomp-filled state visit for Kishida was however also meant to underscore the broader cultural and economic relations between two allied nations who were at war 80 years ago.

Biden announced that a Japanese person will be the first non-american to walk on the Moon, flying on a US mission due to take place in a few years' time.

The leaders also announced deals for technology, including artificial intelligence and the economy.