Deepening Japan-US Relationship to Counter China’s Growing Influence
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Washington this week is seen as the beginning of a ‘new era’ of cooperation between Japan and the US, according to leaders.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the United States this week heralds a “new era of U.S.–Japan strategic cooperation,” as noted in a joint statement by Mr. Kishida and President Joe Biden. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as diplomacy, defense, and technology, with a particular emphasis on countering the expansive influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), according to a senior White House official.
Additional topics for discussion include enhancing defense equipment production, joint utilization of bases, and bolstering readiness for disaster response and conflicts, among other initiatives.
The summit also addresses defense cooperation, joint operations, and potential projects such as lunar exploration. The joint efforts aim to strengthen the Japan–US alliance and address military threats and peace and stability in the region.
Moreover, a policy dialogue mechanism is proposed for expansive cooperation across various sectors, with a focus on floating offshore wind power generation to advance common green energy initiatives and mitigate market reliance on Chinese-manufactured products.
During the trilateral summit with the Philippines, collaborative efforts will be announced to counter China’s influence, focusing on critical minerals, energy, and digital infrastructure to ensure regional stability and economic resilience.
US Think Tank Foresees Japan in Leadership Role
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U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel sees Prime Minister Kishida’s visit as the start of a new era for the Japan–U.S. alliance, highlighting Japan’s progress and enhanced cooperation in defense and diplomacy. The alliance aims to counter regional challenges and uphold freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
