Joe Biden and Kishida Fumio affirmed to strengthen U.S.-Japan alliance
President Joseph Biden spoke with newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio through telephonic call on October 4, 2021.
President Biden congratulated Prime Minister Kishida on his election, and highlighted that he “looks forward to strengthening the relationship in the years ahead given the critical role our countries play in advancing our common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad”.
According to the White House statement, “both leaders affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, which is the cornerstone of peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.”
Both the U.S. and Japan are close partners, and face common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including China’s rise and emerging threats from North Korean missile program.
Kishida was formally elected by the Japanese Parliament on Monday to replace Yoshihide Suga, who resigned after only one year in office. Kishida seeks a new mandate to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, and deal with the economy and security threats from China and North Korea.
Soon after taking office, Kishida replaced all of Suga’s Cabinet members, except Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to ensure continuity of Japan’s security and diplomatic policies and closely work with the U.S. under the bilateral security pact.
Both the U.S. and Japan consider China’s rise as a threat, and newly elected Prime Minister of Japan Kishida stated that “we must speak up” against China’s attempt to
change the status quo in the East and South China Seas.
Despite firm stance, Kishida recognized China as an important neighbor and trade partner of Japan, and acknowledged the importance to continue dialogue with China.
On North Korea, Japanese prime minister hinted that he is open to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions in order to resolve the issue of
Japanese citizens abducted to the DPRK. Kishida also emphasized that he will cooperate with President Biden in resolving North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
