US President Joe Biden met with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, in Hiroshima, on Thursday.
In a press release, the White House said that the leaders advanced cooperation “on a range of security, economic, and regional issues.”
On the issue of defence, Biden stressed that their alliance “is the cornerstone of regional peace and prosperity” and reaffirmed the US’ “extended deterrence commitment using the full range of US capabilities.” The leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation further, building upon Japan’s revised strategy documents and increased investment in the sector.
Both sides affirmed their resolve to continue supporting Ukraine “as it defends itself from Russia’s brutal and unlawful invasion,” and pledged their commitment to work closely together to address regional security challenges, including North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and China’s “coercive behaviour,” which “runs counter to international law.”
US President Biden and Japan's Fumio Kishida met for talks in the city of Hiroshima ahead of the G7 summit, aiming for closer cooperation amid increasing concerns over Rusia’s nuclear threats and China’s rapid accumulation of sensitive technology https://t.co/CuEqkK5ZiH pic.twitter.com/xGPYeIizpr
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 19, 2023
The leaders also underscored their joint opposition to “any attempts to change the status quo by force” and “reiterated their resolve to maintain peace and stability” across the volatile Taiwan Strait.
In addition, they reaffirmed their support for ASEAN centrality and emphasised the importance of increasing multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with South Korea and other Quad nations — Australia and India. Both sides committed to advancing their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Quad leaders will meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan, as their meeting in Australia later this week was cancelled due to Biden having to cut short his Asia tour.
G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US. India and Australia are not a part of the G7 but have been invited to the summit in Japan.