NHK




 

The leaders of Japan and the United States are expected to affirm their countries' close cooperation in the face of a severe international situation when they meet in Tokyo on Monday.

US President Joe Biden is due to arrive in Japan on Sunday on his first visit to the country since taking office.

Biden is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio the next day. He will also attend a summit of the Quad nations of Japan, US, Australia and India on Tuesday.

Kishida told reporters on Saturday that he wants to have frank in-person discussions with Biden.

He mentioned security, regional situations including Ukraine, the economy, and common global challenges such as climate change and nuclear disarmament.

Kishida and Biden are expected to reaffirm their policy to continue to impose heavy sanctions on Russia and provide support for Ukraine, as well as calling on Asian and African nations for cooperation.

The two leaders are also expected to share the view that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world, with China's growing activities in the East China Sea and its increasing economic coercion in mind.

The leaders will likely affirm that the two countries will strengthen their deterrence and response capabilities.

Kishida and Biden are expected to confirm that their countries will work closely with South Korea in responding to North Korea, which is stepping up its nuclear and missile programs. The two will also likely discuss further provocations by the North in light of the latest situation.

Biden is expected to announce the start of talks for launching the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, during his stay in Japan. Kishida is making arrangements to express Japan's willingness to join.