President Joe Biden has praised Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for his decision to bolster Japan’s defense posture as the two countries experience tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia.
Japan announced last month it would reinvest in its defense after decades of pacifism, the investments amounting to its most extensive military buildup since World War II. In a joint statement Friday, the two leaders described that spending as boosting security across the Indo-Pacific “and beyond” while modernizing the U.S.-Japan relationship for the 21st century.
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“President Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan under Article V of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear,” the pair wrote after South Korea indicated its desire to nuclearize. “He also reaffirmed that Article V applies to the Senkaku Islands.”
They added, “The leaders also instructed their ministers to reinforce cooperation on the development and effective employment of Japan’s counterstrike and other capabilities.”
Biden and Kishida are expected to meet numerous times during 2023, with Japan presiding over this year’s Group of Seven meetings, held in Kishida’s hometown of Hiroshima, and the U.S. hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco.
“We will build resilience in our societies and supply chains among like-minded partners against threats such as economic coercion, non-market policies and practices and natural disasters, accelerate global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, and advance data free flow with trust,” they said before anticipated announcements regarding semiconductor export controls.
Biden and Kishida, too, implored China to be more transparent concerning its spread of the COVID-19 respiratory illness after reversing its so-called “zero tolerance” policy.
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“We begin 2023 together as the closest of allies and friends, newly committed to achieving peace and prosperity, not only through our words but through our actions,” they said. “The times demand no less.”
