The US and Japan decided to strengthen military and economic ties

During Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official visit to the United States on Wednesday, the heads of the United States and Japan announced several initiatives designed to strengthen defense and economic cooperation between the two countries amid what both countries describe as China’s aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific region.

US President Joe Biden said that the United States and Japan, together with their allies, intend to expand the system of defense alliances. In particular, a defense structure will be created that includes the US, Japan and Australia, Japan will take part in joint military maneuvers with the United States and the UK, and the possibility of Tokyo joining the AUKUS defense partnership, which includes the US, Australia and the UK, will be considered. On Thursday in Washington, Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida will meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. At the unprecedented meeting, issues of ensuring security in the region will be discussed.

“This is the most significant renewal of our alliance since its inception,” said President Biden, who also announced that a Japanese citizen will take part in the planned flight on the American spacecraft to the moon.

Speaking about security in the Asia-Pacific region, the Japanese Prime Minister announced Ukraine’s “firm support” in repelling Russian aggression, as it could set a precedent for the actions of other countries. “What happened to Ukraine today can happen in East Asia tomorrow,” Fumio Kishida emphasized.

At the US-Japan summit, agreements were also reached on cooperation in the field of space research, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and green energy.

A state dinner in honor of the Japanese Prime Minister was held at the White House on Wednesday evening. This event honors America’s closest allies.