In his first visit to the White House as Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida agreed with U.S. President Joe Biden to bolster the Japan-U.S. alliance, strengthening both their military deterrence and response capabilities.
Japan is this year's chair of the Group of Seven. At a time when China and Russia are not hesitating to take coercive actions against other countries, it is important that Japan lead discussions to stabilize international order. We hope that Japan will further deepen its alliance with the U.S. -- which is at the core of Tokyo's foreign policy -- and thus contribute to world peace and prosperity.
While Kishida and Biden have met multiple times, the timing of the meeting in mid-January was especially significant. Japan has just adopted three new defense documents, including the updated National Security Strategy, which vows to develop independent defense capabilities that do not rely on the U.S. military.
Kishida briefed Biden on Japan's efforts, including an increase in defense spending and the acquisition of a "counterstrike" capability that would enable Tokyo to attack opponents' missile launch sites. We commend Kishida for securing strong support from Biden, including an assurance that the U.S. is fully involved in the defense of Japan.
The allies have in mind the threats posed by China, Russia and North Korea. In particular, the two countries need to urgently prepare for a potential crisis over Taiwan. Deterrence will be crucial to prevent a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, or North Korea running amok.
February will mark one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There is no end in sight to the conflict. Biden and Kishida confirmed the continuation of sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.
In the economic field, they discussed protecting economic security in areas such as semiconductors and pledged to maintain the U.S.-Japan advantage in space and energy.
Their joint statement said that the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework will be at the center of achieving these goals.
The U.S. is indispensable in creating a fair economic rules-based world order. In a speech in Washington, Kishida said the U.S. return to the Trans-Pacific Partnership would be of "paramount importance."
The Biden administration has remained cautious on that issue, but we hope the leaders will continue to discuss it.
In addition to improving deterrence, the two countries must not neglect efforts to ease tensions through diplomacy. In his speech, Kishida stressed the need for more dialogue with China at the leadership and ministerial levels. Visits to China by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken should happen as soon as possible.
The joint statement also called for China to provide adequate information on the current spread of COVID-19.
It is important to continue to encourage China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power through dialogue.
