During his meeting with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said that Washington is working with “like-minded partners […] to address common challenges.”
They also announced several new strategic initiatives to strengthen defence and security cooperation, space cooperation, drive technology innovation, bolster economic security, accelerate climate action, partner on global diplomacy and development.
Comments from Biden
Biden said the US was rebuilding “the muscle” of its democratic alliances and would “stand shoulder to shoulder with [its] allies” because “alliances are America’s greatest asset.”
In reference to their military cooperation in the face of aggressors like China, Biden noted that both sides are taking “significant steps” to strengthen defence and security cooperation. “We’re modernising command and control structures, and we’re increasing the interoperability and planning of our militaries so they can work together in a seamless and effective way.”
Elaborating further, he stated that for the first time, Japan, the US, and Australia will “create a networked system of air, missile, and defence architecture” and also hold a trilateral military exercise with the UK.
President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida will keep working together to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, prosperous, and secure. pic.twitter.com/rHiuKmhKeF
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 10, 2024
Comments from Kishida
Kishida said that “with a strong determination,” Japan is working to strengthen its defence capabilities in line with its National Security Strategy, aiming for counter-strike capabilities and increasing its defence budget and complementary initiatives to 2% of its GDP by FY 2027, as outlined.
He also acknowledged Russia's aggression against Ukraine, emphasising the potential for similar challenges in East Asia, stating, "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow." Kishida stressed the importance of maintaining strong sanctions against Russia and providing robust support to Ukraine as Japan's own concern. He committed to close cooperation with like-minded countries, including G7 members.
Joint Statement
Both sides agreed that “unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion are totally unacceptable anywhere in the world and to resolutely respond to them, in coordination with allies and like-minded countries.”
Notably, Biden and Kishida agreed to “continue working closely together in addressing issues related to China.” They also confirmed “the importance of cooperating with China on shared challenges” and “reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.”
The two leaders also welcomed the progress of trilateral relations with South Korea across several fields.
In another veiled reference to Chinese business practices, both leaders agreed to “respond to economic coercion, non-market policies and practices and overproduction, enhance supply chains resilience, and towards the realisation of sustainable and inclusive economic growth through efforts such as decarbonisation.”