US President Joe Biden visits Japan for the first time, arrives at Yokota Air Base, summit meeting on the 23rd

YOKOTA: US President Joe Biden arrived at Yokota Air Base (Fussa City, Tokyo, etc.) on his presidential plane on the 22nd, and visited Japan for the first time after his inauguration. On the 23rd, he will meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to explain the new US-led economic zone concept "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)". After the meeting, Mr. Biden announces the inauguration of IPEF, and the Prime Minister announces Japan's participation.

At the meeting, we will reconfirm that the seven major countries (G7), including Japan and the United States, will cooperate in sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In response to China, which is promoting the strengthening of its military power, he said, "We will both deter actions that impair regional stability and deal with them if necessary." North Korea, which repeatedly launches ballistic missiles, is expected to agree that it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between the three countries of Japan, the United States and South Korea.

The two leaders confirm that they will defend Japan with "extended deterrence," including the US nuclear umbrella. The prime minister will revise the basic policy of foreign affairs and defense policy, such as the "National Security Strategy," at the end of the year, and convey his intention to drastically strengthen his defense capabilities. He also shows his willingness to realize his "world without nuclear weapons."

In the economic field, we also confirm that Japan and the United States will cooperate in semiconductor research and development and strengthening the supply chain (supply network).

Mr. Biden will meet with His Majesty the Emperor prior to the Japan-US summit meeting on the 23rd. After the meeting, he will attend a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kishida. A joint statement summarizing the outcome of the meeting will also be published. Mr. Biden will also meet with the families of North Korean abductees. The two leaders will attend an informal dinner.

On the 24th, a summit meeting of four countries (quad) including Japan, the United States, India and Australia will be held. After a luncheon for the meeting attendees, Mr Biden will be returning home the same night. [Shun Kawaguchi, Shinichi Akiyama]