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TOKYO – US President Joe Biden began his visit to Japan on Monday by meeting with Emperor Naruhito to launch a regional economic plan to tackle China and re-establish ties with a key Asian ally.
The cornerstone of Biden’s two-day visit, which includes meetings with leaders of Japan, India and Australia, “Fourteenth”, will roll out Monday after the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a comprehensive plan that provides economic pillars. His involvement with Asia.
Biden arrives at the palace, where he meets Naruhito, and the two exchange greetings before entering, wearing white masks.
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Biden’s call to the emperor will be followed by talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where the two countries are expected to discuss plans to expand Japan’s military capabilities and respond to China’s growing power.
The two main allies are also expected to re-establish their close ties in the face of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, agreeing that unilateral change in the status quo through force is not acceptable.
Concerns are growing in Asia about a growing strong China, especially in light of its close ties with Russia, and especially around Taiwan, which China considers a rebel province.
North Korea and regional issues will also be on the agenda, after Biden was scheduled to meet with the families of Japanese abducted a few years ago to train spies in North Korea on Monday. (Reporting by Trevor Hunikat; Additional reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Written by Elaine Lyce; Edited by Michael Perry)