Biden to Host Japan PM Kishida for Official Visit in April, Reports Reuters

By Jeff Mason and David Brunnstrom

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE – U.S. President Joe Biden is set to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for an official visit to the United States on April 10, as announced by the White House on Thursday.

The visit will feature a formal state dinner and a policy meeting, marking Biden’s commitment to engage with Japan, a key ally in the U.S. approach to issues concerning China, North Korea, and broader Asian security.

During their discussions, Biden and Kishida are expected to focus on enhancing "political, security, economic, and people-to-people ties" to bolster Indo-Pacific security, according to White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre.

This meeting comes at a particularly challenging moment for both leaders, who are experiencing low approval ratings in their respective countries. Biden is gearing up for a competitive election in November against Republican candidate Donald Trump, while Kishida is navigating the repercussions of a fundraising scandal, economic challenges, and a significant earthquake that occurred this month.

"2024 will be a pivotal year for Japan-U.S. relations," remarked Japan’s ambassador to the U.S., Shigeo Yamada, during a pre-recorded statement at an event organized by the Wilson Center think tank on Thursday. He emphasized that the Japan-U.S. alliance is crucial not just for the two nations but also for the stability and prosperity of the international community.

Mieko Nakabayashi, a professor at Waseda University, expressed concern regarding the potential for another Trump presidency, highlighting his previous skepticism about alliances and criticisms regarding the costs of U.S. troop deployments in Japan and South Korea. "We are very, very worried and considering various scenarios depending on who becomes the president," she stated.

Nakabayashi also mentioned internal factional rivalries within Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, raising doubts about Kishida’s ability to maintain his leadership long enough to make the visit.

Frank Jannuzi, president of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, noted that while the U.S.-Japan alliance has deep historical roots, it is not impervious to strain. He indicated that compromising on ally security commitments by the U.S. could jeopardize this partnership.

U.S. deputy national security adviser Jon Finer highlighted the Biden administration’s contrasting philosophy compared to Trump’s, reaffirming that America’s network of alliances serves as an advantage rather than a burden.

The security collaboration between the U.S. and Japan has been continuously strengthening, and discussions are underway regarding Japanese shipyards taking on the overhaul and maintenance of U.S. Navy warships. However, Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel has sparked controversy.

Bipartisan concern among U.S. senators regarding this deal has been expressed, citing national security risks and questioning the lack of communication with the principal union of U.S. Steel prior to the announcement.

Brian Deese, a pivotal figure in Biden’s re-election campaign, acknowledged the deal’s troubling aspects and indicated that the administration would scrutinize it closely.