WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden is hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House this week. The two leaders are looking to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance at a time when concerns are growing about stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.
“Our alliance has never been stronger in our entire history,” President Biden said.
The leaders met in the Oval Office to talk about their shared goals and to focus on countering threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We are at crucial crossroads and that Japan-U.S. partnership is immensely important,” Kishida said.
The two announced plans to upgrade military cooperation between the countries as concerns grow over both China’s aggression in the region and North Korea’s nuclear program.
“This is about restoring stability in the region, and I think we have a chance of doing that,” Biden said.
They also touted the strong economic ties.
“Japan is the top foreign investor in the United States and we the United States of the top foreign investor in Japan,” Biden said.
There is some disagreement between the allies. President Biden opposes a planned sale of the Pittsburgh based U.S. Steel company to a Japanese company.
“I stand by my commitment to American workers,” Biden said when asked about the issue.
“Investment from Japan to the U.S. can only increase upwards in the months and years to come and we wish to cement this win-win relationship,” Kishida said.
During their joint press conference, the leaders also announced a space exploration partnership with a Japanese astronaut planning to join NASA’s moon program.
The White House will host a fancy state dinner on Wednesday to celebrate the Prime Minister’s visit. It will feature steak, cherry blossoms, and a performance from musician Paul Simon.
