japanese pm visit to uk

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UK, Japan sign major defence pact during PM Kishida visit to London

World europe.

The deal will allow the countries to deploy forces on each other's soil

London: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida signed a defence agreement in London on Wednesday that will allow the countries to deploy forces on each other's soil, the latest move towards closer security ties.

Kishida and Sunak signed the reciprocal access defence agreement, agreed in principle last May, a month after the two countries teamed up with Italy on a new fighter jet programme.

The visit and agreement form part of Britain's Indo-Pacific tilt in foreign policy strategy as it builds security and trade ties in the region.

Underpinning the desire for closer ties, Britain and Japan have also both described China as a challenge in the Indo-Pacific region.

"This Reciprocal Access Agreement is hugely significant for both our nations - it cements our commitment to the Indo-Pacific," Sunak said in a statement.

"In this increasingly competitive world, it is more important than ever that democratic societies continue to stand shoulder to shoulder as we navigate the unprecedented global challenges of our time." Kishida is visiting Britain as part of a tour of Group of Seven (G7) countries including France, Italy, Canada and the United States. Japan currently holds the G7 presidency.

Sunak's office said he had welcomed Kishida's plans to focus Japan's G7 leadership on the impact of the invasion of Ukraine on global food and economic security.

The pair also discussed trade and Britain's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In December, Britain and Japan also launched a digital partnership.

"(Sunak) added that future growth and prosperity for all countries would be driven by collaboration and innovation, and both leaders agreed there was huge potential for growth across the two countries' economies," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that the region was "not an arena for geopolitical games" and China was a partner for co-operation and "not a challenge".

"The old thinking of bloc confrontation should not be introduced into the Asia-Pacific region," Wang told a briefing in Beijing when asked about Japan and Britain's pact.

Sunak and Kishida met at the Tower of London, a medieval fortress and one-time prison which houses the Crown Jewels and other treasures. Downing Street said the leaders would see some Japanese armour, which was presented to King James in 1613 by Shogun Tokugawa to mark the first trade agreement between England and Japan.

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UK and Japan set to agree new defence agreement as leaders meet in London

The agreement would allow British and Japanese forces to deploy together to carry out training, joint exercises and disaster relief activities.

Political reporter @itssophiemorris

Thursday 5 May 2022 03:20, UK

The UK and Japan are set to agree a new defence agreement when Boris Johnson hosts the Japanese prime minister in London on Thursday.

Downing Street said the prime minister's meeting with Fumio Kishida is expected to conclude with a "landmark" reciprocal access agreement being signed.

Mr Kishida's official visit will be marked with a guard of honour and an RAF flypast over central London.

The flypast is expected to take place at around 11.10am and include two Typhoon fighter jets and the RAF Voyager Vespina.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss the war in Ukraine and how the West can further put pressure on Russian Russian President Vladimir Putin 's regime.

In addition, they are expected to agree on closer collaboration as part of the UK's clean green initiative.

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Downing Street said this would allow the UK and Japan to work together to support countries in Asia to develop renewables and provide alternative supplies to Russian oil and gas .

Ahead of the Japanese prime minister's arrival, Mr Johnson said: "As two great island democracies, and the third and fifth largest economies in the world, the UK and Japan are focused on driving growth, creating highly skilled jobs and ensuring we remain technology superpowers.

"The visit of Prime Minister Kishida will accelerate our close defence relationship and build on our trade partnership to boost major infrastructure projects across the country - supporting our levelling up agenda."

During Thursday's meeting, the two leaders are also expected to tuck into some food from the Fukushima region, including Japanese popcorn.

Number 10 said this would symbolise the lifting of remaining restrictions on food products from the Japanese region after the 2011 nuclear disaster.

Meanwhile, Conservative former minister Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, is also set to be announced as the UK's new trade envoy to Japan.

The UK and Japan began talks on strengthening their defence relationship back in September 2021.

In the same month, Australia, the UK and the US signed up to the Aukus pact to develop nuclear-powered submarines for Canberra in a bid to increase joint naval activity in the region.

This came after the UK government published its defence and foreign policy integrated review, last year.

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Rishi Sunak and Japanese PM to agree closer defence links at Tower of London

Rishi Sunak and the Japanese prime minister will sign what the UK Government said will be the most significant defence agreement between the two nations in more than a century.

The Prime Minister and his counterpart Fumio Kishida will sign a defence agreement at the Tower of London on Wednesday which will allow the UK and Japan to deploy forces in one another’s countries.

It will make the UK the first European country to have a reciprocal access agreement with Japan, with No 10 calling it the most important defence treaty between London and Tokyo since 1902.

The pact is part of the UK’s defence and foreign policy “tilt” towards the Indo-Pacific region following an integrated review in 2021 that recognised the growing impact of China in the area.

This reciprocal access agreement is hugely significant for both our nations

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

The access agreement has been years in the making, with former prime minister Boris Johnson agreeing a deal in principle in May during Mr Kishida’s first official visit to Britain.

Mr Sunak said the accord would “cement the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific” and bolster economic security.

Officials said the defence agreement would allow both forces to plan and deliver larger and more complex military exercises and deployments.

Mr Sunak said: “In the past 12 months, we have written the next chapter of the relationship between the UK and Japan — accelerating, building and deepening our ties.

“We have so much in common: a shared outlook on the world, a shared understanding of the threats and challenges we face, and a shared ambition to use our place in the world for global good, ensuring our countries prosper for generations to come.

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“This reciprocal access agreement is hugely significant for both our nations — it cements our commitment to the Indo-Pacific and underlines our joint efforts to bolster economic security, accelerate our defence co-operation and drive innovation that creates highly skilled jobs.

“In this increasingly competitive world, it is more important than ever that democratic societies continue to stand shoulder to shoulder as we navigate the unprecedented global challenges of our time.”

Mr Kishida’s visit to London is part of a whistle-stop tour to five G7 nations, marking Japan taking on the rotating presidency of the group for 2023.

His trip, which will see him visit France, Italy, the UK, Canada and finally the US in the space of five days, comes as Japan breaks from its post-war restraint to take on more offensive roles, with an eye toward China.

Japan announced last month it had adopted security and defence reforms, including a counter-strike capability that breaks from an exclusively self-defence-only principle that had been in place since its Second World War defeat.

While at the historic Tower of London, Mr Sunak and Mr Kishida will visit Japanese armour on display.

It was presented to King James VI in 1613 by the then-Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada of Japan.

The military gift was given to King James to mark the first ever trade agreement between England and Japan.

Putting pen to paper at the Tower will come weeks after the UK and Japan agreed, along with Italy, to develop the next generation of combat air fighter jets under the Global Combat Air Programme.

Last month, the UK and Japan also launched a new UK-Japan digital partnership to strengthen co-operation across cyber resilience, online safety and semiconductors.

As well as meeting to discuss defence and security challenges, the leaders are expected to discuss trade and the G7 response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the conflict approaching its first anniversary.

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Transcript: Japan PM Kishida's speech in London

Invest in Kishida: Japanese leader reaffirms ties with U.K., calls for new form of capitalism

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered a speech to the City of London on Thursday , where he called for investment in Japan , blasted Russia's "egregious" violations of international law in Ukraine, and said his "memories of Hiroshima" are driving him to bring the global community together and restore peace.

Here's an unedited transcript of Kishida's speech as provided by the prime minister's office:

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today in the City of London, the world's premier financial centre.

May I extend my sincere appreciation to Lord Mayor Sir Charles Bowman and distinguished members of the City of London Corporation for organising this event.

My main topic today will be economics, but I felt compelled to make a statement at the outset on the situation in Ukraine. Russia's egregious aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law, which prohibits the use of force against a nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have also witnessed the appalling inhumane attacks against innocent civilians in cities such as Bucha.

These violations of international law, and acts amounting to war crimes, are utterly unacceptable and I condemn them in the strongest terms.

The fact that we are faced in a situation where we have to think in reality about the threat of the use of nuclear weapons has special, and strong meaning to me.

This is because I am a politician from Hiroshima, the city where the atomic bomb was dropped. Some of my relatives are atomic bomb survivors. Others died in the bombing. Since childhood, I have heard countless stories about nuclear weapons. This has become a formative experience for me.

These "memories of Hiroshima" are what drives me to take action to restore peace.

Kishida urges U.K. traders to invest in 'new form of capitalism'

In order to achieve peace, the international community must make it clear that aggression as such brings consequences. May I take this opportunity to pay my utmost respect for the British Government and the British people for standing firmly against Russia and for extending a helping hand to Ukraine.

Japan has also been doing its utmost by imposing economic sanctions on Russia and providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine immediately after Russia's aggression.

We will continue to work with the UK and the international community to take resolute action to end this atrocity and restore peace as soon as possible.

Russia's aggression has also destabilized the global economy, which has been hit hard by soaring oil, resource and grain prices, as well as market volatility. Coupled with the pandemic, many countries are facing economic hardships.

In our fight to defend democracy, we ourselves must stay strong.

The theme of this year's G20 is "Recover Together, Recover Stronger". Prior to my visit to the UK, I traveled to Indonesia, which holds this year's G20 Presidency, as well as Vietnam and Thailand, to confirm our commitment to a strong recovery together with other Asian countries. While overcoming the vulnerability of our own energy self-sufficiency by diversifying energy procurement, maximizing introduction of renewable energy, and diversifying energy sources through the use of nuclear energy, Japan will also actively contribute to the recovery beyond Asia.

The invasion of Ukraine is a challenge that is not confined to Europe -- it is a matter for the whole world, including Asia. Japan will work together with other nations and take actions with resolute determination so that we would not be sending out the wrong message to the international community; so that using force to unilaterally change the status quo shall never be repeated.

At a time of drastic change, the UK-Japan partnership remains crucial. Our two countries share universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. I am confident that Japan and the UK will continue to be indispensable partners in the fields of security and the economy.

Distinguished guests, let us join together even more firmly to defend the values we believe in.

Now, let me shift to economics.

I would like to introduce to you an economic policy I am advocating, which I call "new form of capitalism".

The single message I wish to convey to you is this: The Japanese economy will continue to see robust growth. You can invest in Japan with confidence. Invest in Kishida.

Of course, Japan does face many challenges. But I am prepared to lead reform efforts to tackle these challenges head-on.

One feature of the Japanese economy is stability. Because we live in an era of geopolitical uncertainty with supply chain disruptions and drastic shifts in energy and other resources, I see this as an advantage for Japan.

Sustained growth; stable markets; and safe, reliable companies, products and services. This is why Japan is a "buy."

Allow me to give a brief personal perspective on my economic thinking. When I was young, my father was posted to the United States due to his work, and I went to a local primary school in New York. Even as a child, I was greatly impressed by America's wealth and diversity.

I am the first post-war Japanese Prime Minister with experience working in the finance industry. From 1982 to 1987, I worked for a bank that supported recovering businesses. As a staff member responsible for loans for the shipping industry, which was struggling with international competition, I witnessed a number of bankruptcies first-hand, but also worked with managers to promote corporate restructuring.

My strong conviction based on these experiences was that a robust economy supported by the animal spirits of the private sector is of paramount importance. Since I entered politics in 1993, I have worked on industrial policy, science and technology policy, and policies for small and medium-sized enterprises. Indeed, one could say my life's work has been to revitalise the Japanese economy.

Based on my personal experiences, I would argue that I am the most knowledgeable recent Japanese prime minister when it comes to the realities of the economy and finance, and I will continue to advance policies by listening to the voice of markets as well as the people on the ground.

So let me be clear: Japan is and will continue to be a trading and investment powerhouse open to the world. Japan will grow by being connected to the rest of the world through the free movement of people, goods, money and digital technologies across borders.

At the end of last year, Japan strengthened its border control measures in response to the global spread of the Omicron variant. It was an essential public-health step to delay the variant's entry into the country. This allowed us to fortify our healthcare system and promote vaccinations. I hope it is not too boastful to say that Japan's response to COVID-19 has been one of the most successful in the world.

We have now eased border control measures significantly, with the next easing taking place in June, when Japan will introduce a smoother entry process similar to that of other G7 members.

History has proven that Great Britain has prospered through its connections with the world. Today, for Great Britain, that means above all being a major centre of international finance, with the City at its heart.

This resonates with Japan, which is also a maritime nation.

Connecting with the world: I am convinced this is imperative for the prosperity of Japan too.

In line with this view, Japan prides itself on being the world's foremost promoter of free trade in recent years. Last year, the Japan-UK EPA entered into force, and Japan has been an avid supporter of the UK joining the CPTPP, a process that is currently underway.

Japan is, and always will be open to the world. Distinguished guest, I earnestly hope that all of you will visit Japan. We will offer our utmost hospitality.

Now, let me say a few words about the "new form of capitalism" that I have been advocating.

What exactly do I mean by "new"? To put it succinctly, I am talking about an upgrade - a stronger, more sustainable version of capitalism.

Why does capitalism need upgrading? Because we need to solve two crucial present-day challenges.

One is the problem of economic externalities, such as widening inequality, climate change and issues deriving from urbanization. Global capitalism has driven growth and prosperity, and its achievements should be duly acknowledged. But in its current form, it also has downsides.

The second pressing challenge is that posed by authoritarian states. Liberalism and democracy are under pressure from authoritarian regimes, including some that have achieved rapid economic growth. Too often this growth has come through unfair trade practices and other methods that ignore the rules of a liberal economy. We must make economies in democratic nations sustainable and inclusive in order to defend freedom and democracy.

I advocate that we address both of these challenges I have mentioned by upgrading capitalism.

Capitalism has changed before. Indeed, it has experienced at least two major transformations. One was the transition from laissez-faire to the welfare state. The other was the shift from the welfare state to neoliberalism.

In both of these transitions, the pendulum swung between two ideas: "market or state", "public or private". But the next transition will be to a "new form of capitalism", in which the public and private sectors work together. Instead of "or," we will have "and"- market and state, public and private.

The public sector will act more than ever to draw out the power of the private sector as much as possible, while the private sector will make greater use of its capabilities to solve social problems that have until now been considered the domain of the public sector.

Under this new form of capitalism, social challenges can become engines of growth. The government will prime the pump to create new markets in challenging areas, attract private investment, and foster public-private collaborations. In this way, we will address social problems while at the same time driving robust growth. "Two birds with one stone," as we say in Japanese as well as in English.

In Japan, there are a number of things we need to do to achieve a new form of capitalism: eliminate distribution blockages; overcome underinvestment in new value-added sectors; boost labour mobility to new sectors; promote diversity; and nurture what I would call a "healthy economic metabolism."

Accomplishing these things will require investment, specifically in four key areas: people; science, technology and innovation; start-ups; and green and digital initiatives.

Let me start with people. Investment in human capital is at the heart of the growth strategy of the Kishida Administration.

In the new era, intangible assets such as human capital, intellectual property and innovation will become more important than tangible goods. Creativity and innovation will be crucial in the waves of digital transformation and decarbonization -- and for that we need skilled people who can create and innovate. Japan will face labour shortages. We must produce maximum value with a shrinking pool of workers.

We need to expand investment in people, both in terms of "flow" and "stock."

On the flow side, the relevant issue is wages. A major challenge for Japan is that, while productivity growth per working hour has been comparable to that of other countries, wage growth has been low. That has held back consumption and, by extension, overall economic growth. Japan must foster productivity growth and ensure that wages rise alongside productivity. To do that, the government will introduce tax incentives that encourage employers to increase wages, and work with the private sector to create a social atmosphere in which it is normal and natural for pay to rise.

Next, on the stock side, investment in vocational training, recurrent education and lifelong learning is vital. The reality is that investment in education and training in the corporate sector in Japan is much lower than in other countries. My government has already introduced a three-year, 400 billion yen package, and we will actively support labour mobility and job mobility by further increasing investment, and promoting the accumulation of human capital. We will in particular focus on re-skilling as well as promoting side careers.

The keyword in this context is diversity. Japan is blessed with many promising women and young people. Moreover, people from around the world are increasingly coming to Japan to live and work. For Japanese companies to achieve innovation-driven growth, they need to become more diverse. My government will support their efforts by expanding assistance for childcare and making it easier for people to work in more flexible ways.

Another way I intend to invest in people is to promote a shift from savings to investment. The financial assets of Japanese individuals are said to amount to 2,000 trillion yen, more than half of which is held in bank deposits and cash. As a result, while household financial assets have tripled in the US and increased 2.3 times in the UK over the past decade, in Japan they have increased only 1.4 times. This is a waste -- but also a source of future potential.

I will promote a bold and fundamental shift from savings to investment, in order to double people's incomes from asset investments. To this end, I will mobilise all policy measures in advancing the "Doubling Asset-based Incomes Plan" including a major expansion of NISA, a tax exemption program for small investments -- the Japanese version of an ISA -- and the creation of a new mechanism to encourage citizens to move their savings into asset management.

The second pillar is investment in science, technology and innovation.

Just as vaccines became a game changer in the fight against COVID-19, science, technology and innovation have the power to solve many of the social problems facing the world, such as infectious diseases, global warming, falling birthrates and ageing populations.

Science and technology will also play a major role in determining the victor in the intensifying competition between democracy and authoritarianism. For example, development and production of advanced semiconductors may determine global competitiveness and even national security.

Unfortunately, current investment in R&D by Japanese companies is far less than that of other developed countries. The same goes for capital investment. This must be changed.

We need to present a clear national strategy, and national growth-rate targets, which companies often use in guiding their investments, and then act as a priming agent to induce corporate investment.

To this end, we will articulate a national strategy in five fields: AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology, digital and decarbonization. Strong incentives will be offered to companies that increase R&D investment in accordance with the national strategy.

Collaboration between industry, academia and government is essential for science, technology and innovation. Revitalising "academia" is especially key. Last year, a 10 trillion yen university fund was launched.

Through this fund, we will support university R&D, but with a precondition of governance reform. Universities will have to thoroughly implement governance reforms, such as the separation of management and academia, and the introduction of external funding and management teams.

The third pillar is investing in start-ups.

When you hear "Japanese companies", you probably think of major corporations like Honda and Sony. But these large companies, which have been the driving force for Japan, were originally start-ups founded by young entrepreneurs shortly after the end of World War II.

Honda was founded in 1946 by a 39-year-old Honda Soichiro. Sony was also founded in 1946 by a 25-year-old Morita Akio.

In the United States too, mega companies like those that make up GAFAM began as start-ups that drove the revival of the US economy in the technology sector.

It is therefore my earnest wish to create the next start-up boom in Japan.

Changes are happening on the ground in Japan. Instead of taking conventional jobs at large corporations, many brilliant university students are launching their own start-ups after graduation. Even at the University of Tokyo, the oldest university in Japan, and best known for producing leaders for government and major corporations, change is happening: more than 300 venture companies are being created from the University.

There is another important change. More and more entrepreneurs have strong aspirations to solve social problems.

One woman I spoke with recently while sitting down with a small group of social entrepreneurs, had launched a new business while still at school and, soon after graduation, started a crowdfunding start-up. Her work has helped both hospitals struggling with surges in patients and restaurants struggling with fewer customers due to COVID-19. I hastened to add she studied at LSE.

I have high hopes for the future of such practitioners of a "new form of capitalism", which pursues the dual goals of economic growth and social entrepreneurship.

I intend to further encourage these positive changes in Japanese society. We will create an environment where young people can jump into start-ups more easily.

This will require a set of integrated measures: The creation of start-up campuses, including with leading overseas universities; The drastic expansion of the SBIR (Small Business Research Initiative) system for start-ups; The attraction of overseas venture capital, combined with public capital participation in overseas VC; The circulation of personal financial assets and long-term investment funds from institutions such as the GPIF into venture investment; And the development of stock options and other measures to promote the growth of start-ups.

Steps to foster such a start-up ecosystem will be consolidated as a five-year plan, and a cross-cutting command post function for implementation will be clarified.

Last but not least, investment in green and digital initiatives.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine has made clear the importance of energy security.

Climate change remains an urgent issue.

In addition to renewable energy, we will utilise nuclear reactors with safety assurances to contribute to worldwide reduction of dependence on Russian energy. Restarting just one existing nuclear reactor would have the same effect as supplying 1 million tonnes of new LNG per year to the global market.

At the same time, with a long-term perspective, Japan will achieve its international commitments to carbon neutrality by 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030, while ensuring a stable energy supply. To achieve these goals, 150 trillion yen in new investments will be raised over the next decade through public-private collaboration, including 17 trillion yen in fiscal 2030.

On the other hand, Japan has financial assets of 2,000 trillion yen and corporate cash and deposits of 320 trillion yen. What is crucial is having innovative policy initiatives that connect the immediate and massive investment needs to the huge potential for financing. Investments which the private sector is hesitant to make due to uncertainties, should be elicited and made a pillar of the medium-term growth strategy.

In order to draw in 150 trillion yen in new investments, we will swiftly formulate a comprehensive policy roadmap to 2030 composed of two policy initiatives; the first is maximum utilization of growth-oriented carbon pricing, or "pro-growth carbon pricing," which increases predictability for companies while promoting growth and innovation; and the second is the use of investment promotion measures that integrate regulation, such as energy efficiency standards, and financial support, such as assistance to promote long-term large-scale investments, as a package.

And of course, investment in digital.

With a shrinking workforce, there is an urgent need to utilise digital technology, and Japan will actively promote digital transformation in both the public and private sectors.

Digital services are also a source of new added value and a key to solving the challenges we see in Japan's rural areas, such as declining birth-rates, and ageing and declining populations. Japan will develop an environment for the promotion of web 3.0, such as blockchain, NFTs and the metaverse, and achieve a society that facilitates the birth of new services.

In so doing, systems and regulations that are unfit for technological advances need to be closely reviewed. Under the guidance of the Digital Agency established last year, a major reform is being carried out, identifying more than 40,000 analogue-era regulations and reviewing them in one fell swoop over a three-year period.

Furthermore, in anticipation of a full-fledged digital economy, Japan will advance 5G and fibre optics installation to cover nearly 99% of demand over the next five years, creating a world-class digital infrastructure.

What I have just laid out are the four key pillars of a new form of capitalism.

The success of these policies requires a strong macroeconomic framework and financial market reform to support them.

A bold monetary policy, flexible fiscal policy and a growth strategy to stimulate private investment, will continue to be put in place in an integrated manner.

To achieve a truly "agile" fiscal policy in a difficult fiscal climate, we will transform the state of public finances in two ways.

First is single-year budgeting. To make it easier for companies to see and predict the long-term direction of the country, and derive expected future growth rates, we will make a breakthrough in the single-year budget principle through funds and other means.

Secondly, on tax policy, our philosophy is that introducing incentives such as tax cuts now will lead to increased revenues in the future as the economy accelerates.

Finally, I would like to talk about financial market reforms.

In order to realise the new form of capitalism I illustrated today, we need to revive Japan as an international financial centre.

When I was the Chairperson of the Policy Research Council of the Liberal Democratic Party, I made decisions that helped to facilitate the entry of foreign investment managers, revive of the corporate governance code, and introduce greater flexibility in the requirements for professional investors. As Prime Minister, I will continue to lead to achieve steady progress.

In particular, there has been considerable progress in Japan's corporate governance reforms over the past decade. I will do even more to promote reforms that enable companies to increase their value over the mid-to-long term.

In addition, through the "Doubling Asset-based Incomes Plan" I mentioned earlier, we will awaken 1,000 trillion yen, currently sitting dormant in savings accounts, so it can work to stimulate the market.

Also, with a view to carbon neutrality in 2050, Japan will strongly cultivate the green bond market and go beyond that to the transitional bond market for Asia.

When I leave London today and return to Tokyo, there will be less than 50 days to go until the official start of the Upper House election campaign, the political battle of the summer.

Given the current crisis in Ukraine, the deteriorating security environment surrounding Japan, and the economic crisis caused by high oil prices, stability in government is essential.

We will battle to the end to achieve victory and gain the support to implement the plans I spoke about today.

Kites rise highest against the wind -- not with it.

I am now reflecting on the words of Sir Winston Churchill. The Ukrainian crisis, the rise of authoritarian states, climate change and inequality. In this world under raging storm, I shall remain unperturbed against the heavy wind.

Next year, Japan assumes the presidency of the G7. As the flag-bearer of democracies, we will face this "storm" head-on, with the vision of a new form of capitalism.

I would like to conclude my speech by promising to return here again as a kite rising high.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Japan and U.K. set to agree on defense exercises pact

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London [UK], May 5 (ANI): UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will host his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on Thursday to deepen the UK’s relationship with the Asian security partner and rapidly accelerate collaboration across defence, trade and green energy.

The leaders will agree in principle to a Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing Japanese and British forces to work, exercise and operate together, boosting the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific and further safeguarding global peace and security, said UK Prime Minister’s Office in a statement.

The UK will be the first European country to have such an agreement with Japan.

The landmark defence partnership, which will see UK and Japanese Armed Forces deploy together to carry out training, joint exercises and disaster relief activities, will build on our already close collaboration on defence and security technology, such as the Future Combat Air System programme.

Symbolic of the UK and Japan’s close ties, the leaders will observe a Royal Air Force fly past and inspect a Guard of Honour as part of the official welcome to the United Kingdom for Prime Minister Kishida.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “As two great island democracies, and the third and fifth largest economies in the world, the UK and Japan are focussed on driving growth, creating highly skilled jobs and ensuring we remain technology superpowers.”

“The visit of Prime Minister Kishida will accelerate our close defence relationship and build on our trade partnership to boost major infrastructure projects across the country – supporting our levelling up agenda,” he added.

As two G7 leaders and each other’s closest security partners in Asia and Europe respectively, tomorrow’s bilateral meetings are expected to focus on Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and how international alliances can continue to exert maximum pressure on President Putin’s regime while supporting Ukraine and other European countries affected by the barbaric invasion.

They are also expected to agree closer collaboration as part of the UK’s Clean Green Initiative, allowing the UK and Japan to work together to support countries in Asia develop renewables, supporting their transition to green energy and helping to provide alternative supplies to Russian oil and gas.

Deepening trade and investment ties, the UK Prime Minister will also announce a new trade envoy to Japan – accelerating the strong trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

UK MP Greg Clark has been chosen to spearhead the next chapter between the UK and Japan, as Japanese companies invest billions of pounds into the UK economy through major infrastructure projects, including windfarms and high speed rail. The announcement comes as the UK negotiates accession to CPTPP, an Indo-Pacific trade block worth $11trn. Japan is chair of the UK accession working group to CPTPP.

During the meeting at Downing Street, the leaders are expected to enjoy food products from the Fukushima region, including Japanese popcorn, as part of the marking the lifting of remaining restrictions on food products from the Japanese region. (ANI)

This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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Rishi Sunak and Japanese PM to agree closer defence links at Tower of London

The leaders will sign a reciprocal access agreement, allowing the uk and japan to deploy forces in one another’s countries., article bookmarked.

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Rishi Sunak and the Japanese prime minister will sign what the UK Government said will be the most significant defence agreement between the two nations in more than a century.

The Prime Minister and his counterpart Fumio Kishida will sign a defence agreement at the Tower of London on Wednesday which will allow the UK and Japan to deploy forces in one another’s countries.

It will make the UK the first European country to have a reciprocal access agreement with Japan, with No 10 calling it the most important defence treaty between London and Tokyo since 1902.

The pact is part of the UK’s defence and foreign policy “tilt” towards the Indo-Pacific region following an integrated review in 2021 that recognised the growing impact of China in the area.

This reciprocal access agreement is hugely significant for both our nations

The access agreement has been years in the making, with former prime minister Boris Johnson agreeing a deal in principle in May during Mr Kishida’s first official visit to Britain.

Mr Sunak said the accord would “cement the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific” and bolster economic security.

Officials said the defence agreement would allow both forces to plan and deliver larger and more complex military exercises and deployments.

Mr Sunak said: “In the past 12 months, we have written the next chapter of the relationship between the UK and Japan — accelerating, building and deepening our ties.

“We have so much in common: a shared outlook on the world, a shared understanding of the threats and challenges we face, and a shared ambition to use our place in the world for global good, ensuring our countries prosper for generations to come.

“This reciprocal access agreement is hugely significant for both our nations — it cements our commitment to the Indo-Pacific and underlines our joint efforts to bolster economic security, accelerate our defence co-operation and drive innovation that creates highly skilled jobs.

“In this increasingly competitive world, it is more important than ever that democratic societies continue to stand shoulder to shoulder as we navigate the unprecedented global challenges of our time.”

Mr Kishida’s visit to London is part of a whistle-stop tour to five G7 nations, marking Japan taking on the rotating presidency of the group for 2023.

His trip, which will see him visit France, Italy, the UK, Canada and finally the US in the space of five days, comes as Japan breaks from its post-war restraint to take on more offensive roles, with an eye toward China.

Japan announced last month it had adopted security and defence reforms, including a counter-strike capability that breaks from an exclusively self-defence-only principle that had been in place since its Second World War defeat.

While at the historic Tower of London, Mr Sunak and Mr Kishida will visit Japanese armour on display.

It was presented to King James VI in 1613 by the then-Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada of Japan.

The military gift was given to King James to mark the first ever trade agreement between England and Japan.

Putting pen to paper at the Tower will come weeks after the UK and Japan agreed, along with Italy, to develop the next generation of combat air fighter jets under the Global Combat Air Programme.

Last month, the UK and Japan also launched a new UK-Japan digital partnership to strengthen co-operation across cyber resilience, online safety and semiconductors.

As well as meeting to discuss defence and security challenges, the leaders are expected to discuss trade and the G7 response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the conflict approaching its first anniversary.

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Prime minister kishida’s visit to france, italy, the united kingdom, canada and the united states of america.

From 9 to 14 January, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, is scheduled to visit France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America. During his visit, Prime Minister Kishida is scheduled to hold meetings with the leaders of these countries to discuss a wide range of topics, such as regional and international affairs, including Ukraine, as well as bilateral relations. Through this visit, Prime Minister Kishida intends to confirm cooperation for the success of the G7 Hiroshima Summit under Japan’s presidency this year, and confirm further collaboration between likeminded countries by deepening security cooperation with these countries which have been strengthening interest and engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

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US and Japan announce new military agreements aimed at countering China

Tokyo and Washington have struck 70 pacts on defence cooperation during Japanese PM’s White House state visit

Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida, the Japanese prime minister, have announced a new era of military cooperation during the pomp and pageantry of a White House state visit aimed at countering China.

The US president said the two nations’ forces will cooperate on a joint command structure and, along with Australia, develop a new air missile defence network.

“We’re increasing the interoperability and planning of our militaries so they can work together in a seamless and effective way,” Biden said at a joint press conference with Kishida in the bright sunshine of the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday. “This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established.

“I’m also pleased to announce that for the first time, Japan and the United States and Australia will create a networked system of air, missile and defence architecture. We’re also looking forward to standing up a trilateral military exercise with Japan and the United Kingdom.”

The president, born a year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that prompted US entry into the second world war, said the agreements set a “new benchmark for our military cooperation”.

The move appears aimed at making US and Japanese forces more nimble in the event of a crisis such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan . Biden insisted that it was “purely defensive” and “not aimed at any one nation or a threat to the region”.

Kishida told reporters that the two leaders had discussed tense relations between Taiwan and China and pledged to uphold international order based on the rule of law. “We confirmed that unilateral attempts to change status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable,” Kishida said.

The US and Japan will continue to respond to such actions, including challenges from China, he added. “Regarding Russia’s aggression of Ukraine, based on a recognition that Ukraine today may be east Asia tomorrow.”

The leaders also announced deals for technology, including artificial intelligence and the economy, along with a joint partnership to accelerate development and commercialisation of nuclear fusion.

Biden said they had a shared goal that a Japanese person will be the first non-American to walk on the moon, flying on a US mission due to take place in a few years’ time.

Japan is taking on a more prominent global role after a series of security law changes in the past decade that have transformed its pacifist constitution. Biden also noted that Japan is the top foreign investor in the US.

Overall the US and Japan have struck about 70 agreements on defence cooperation, including moves to upgrade the US military command structure in Japan, the biggest such change since the 1960s.

The two sides will set up a forum for the co-development and co-production of missiles and maintenance of US warships and aircraft, as well as a working group for fighter pilot training and co-development and co-production of jet trainers.

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A joint statement said the US’s Aukus defence partnership with Australia and Britain is considering cooperation with Japan on advanced capabilities and technologies including quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence and cyber technology.

Asked if there was a path for Japan to become a full member of Aukus , Kishida replied: “We want to contribute to the peace and stability of the region and therefore we have consistently supported Aukus … But for Japan, to have a direct cooperation with Aukus, nothing has been decided at this moment.”

Kishida is the first Japanese leader to get a US state visit since Shinzo Abe in 2015 and only the fifth world leader to receive one since Biden took office in 2021. The dinner was held in the grand East Room of the White House, decorated by fans and cherry blossom branches.

White House chefs served a meal featuring Japanese flavors, starting with house-cured salmon, followed by dry-aged ribeye with wasabi sauce, and salted caramel pistachio cake with cherry ice-cream. After dinner, singer Paul Simon performed hits while playing guitar, including Graceland and Slip Slidin’ Away. Simon is one of Jill Biden’s favourite artists, according to the White House.

At the dinner, Kishida quoted from the science fiction series Star Trek, telling guests “I would like to propose a toast to our voyage to the frontier of the Japan-US relationship with this word: boldly go,” a phrase from the iconic opening monologue of the TV series.

Other notable guests at the dinner included Bill and Hillary Clinton and actor Robert De Niro.

Kishida will address Congress on Thursday and join Biden and the Philippines president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, for a meeting expected to focus on Beijing’s South China Sea incursions.

Biden also expressed support for Japan’s attempts to set up a leader-to-leader summit with North Korea . “We welcome the opportunity of our allies to initiate dialogue with the Democratic Republic of Korea,” he commented. “As I’ve said many times, we’re open to dialogue ourselves at any time but without preconditions from the DPRK.”

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Japanese PM Fumio Kishida addresses U.S. 'self-doubt' about world role in remarks to Congress

WASHINGTON — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida asserted in an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday that his country stands with the U.S. at a time when history is at a turning point.

Kishida said the U.S. held a certain reputation decades ago that "shaped the international order" and "championed freedom and democracy."

"You believed that freedom is the oxygen of humanity," he said. "The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations. And yet, as we meet here today, I detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be."

Kishida said that is happening when the world is "at history's turning point" as "freedom and democracy are currently under threat around the globe," climate change is causing natural disasters, and technology such as artificial intelligence is advancing.

Japan faces "an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" from China," he said. He also spoke about the threats from North Korea and from Russia in Ukraine.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as the United States’ closest friend, tomodachi, the people of Japan are with you, side by side, to assure the survival of liberty," he said. "Not just for our people, but for all people."

He continued: "I am here to say that Japan is already standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States. You are not alone. We are with you."

Kishida shared that he has felt a special connection to the U.S. since he attended his first three years of elementary school in Queens.

"We arrived in the fall of 1963, and for several years my family lived like Americans," he said. "My father would take the subway to Manhattan, where he worked as a trade official. We rooted for the Mets and the Yankees and ate hot dogs at Coney Island. On vacation, we would go to Niagara Falls or here to Washington, D.C."

It was only the second time a Japanese prime minister has formally delivered remarks to Congress. The first time in 2015, when Shinzo Abe spoke with Kishida in attendance as a foreign minister. Abe was assassinated in 2022. The last foreign leader to address lawmakers was Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in July.

Thursday's address also marked the first joint meeting with a foreign leader since Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., took the gavel. Vice President Kamala Harris also presided over the chamber during the speech.

Congressional leaders had invited Kishida to speak to both chambers in early March, with Johnson saying in a statement that it was part of an effort to lay "the foundation for collaboration in the years to come."

Before the address, Kishida met in a room just off the House chamber floor with the Big Four congressional leaders: Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. They didn't take any questions; Johnson joked to Kishida that he had brought along a large media corps from Japan.

"Japan is a close ally — critical to both our national and economic security," Schumer said. "This visit will continue to deepen the diplomatic and security relationship between our two countries and build on the strength of decades of cooperation.”

The visit is notable as Republicans, especially those in the House, resist providing foreign aid to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and other places; countering China has been a big focus of Kishida's visit to the U.S.

"China's current external stance and military actions present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge, not only to the peace and security of Japan, but to the peace and stability of the international community at large," Kishida said.

He added: "Russia's unprovoked, unjust and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has entered its third year. As I often say, Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow."

Before Kishida was invited, the Republican and Democratic leaders on the House Foreign Affairs Committee urged Johnson to formally ask him to speak to Congress, saying in a letter that it would "signal congressional support for this critical alliance and help Members of Congress understand [Japan's] importance to the economic and strategic interests of the United States."

After the address, Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted a luncheon with Kishida at the State Department.

In the late afternoon, Kishida participated in the inaugural U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit at the White House, meeting with President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

During that meeting, Biden said the U.S. defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines are “ironclad.”

“Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty,” he said.

Biden also highlighted technology and clean energy as areas for the “deepening ties” among the three countries.

“We’re securing our semiconductor supply chain,” he said, adding that the U.S. is expanding telecommunications in the Philippines.

In a joint statement after the meeting, the three leaders voiced concerns over what they called China’s “dangerous and aggressive behavior.”

“We steadfastly oppose the dangerous and coercive use of Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea, as well as efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation,” their statement said.

They also expressed opposition to efforts that “seek to undermine Japan’s longstanding and peaceful administration of the Senkaku Islands” in the East China Sea.

On Wednesday, Biden and Kishida announced plans to improve the U.S. military command structure in Japan, which hosts about 54,000 U.S. personnel. The two countries will also form a military-industrial council to explore the kinds of weapons they can produce jointly.

The White House hosted a state dinner for Kishida in the evening. Guests included former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton, as well as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Rebecca Shabad is a politics reporter for NBC News based in Washington.

Scott Wong is a senior congressional reporter for NBC News.

What to Know About the Japanese Prime Minister’s Visit to Washington

President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to discuss everything from increased military cooperation to Japan’s participation in a NASA mission.

Japanese PM Comes to Washington

DREW ANGERER | AFP via Getty Images

Japanese Prime Minsiter Fumio Kishida arrives for a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on April 9, 2024.

This week marks a historic moment as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida makes his first official visit to the White House – the first state visit of a Japanese leader since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to the nation’s capital in 2015.

Talks between Biden and Kishida come at a crucial time, as both men look to shore up the alliance while they face their own political threats: in Biden's case, a close reelection campaign, and in Kishida’s, a political corruption scandal that has dampened his public support .

Did You Know?

Kishida, the fifth world leader honored by Biden with a state dinner since he took office in 2021, will dine at the White House on Wednesday. The two men are expected to discuss everything from increased military cooperation to Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon program. Kishida has also been invited to address the U.S. Congress on Thursday.

Here’s what to know about the visit:

Who Is Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida?

Kishida is head of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and became the country’s prime minister in 2021, but spent part of his childhood attending elementary school in New York. Kishida has shifted Japan’s traditional approach to foreign policy by increasing the country’s military spending in 2023 from 6.8 trillion yen ($45 billion) to a record 7.7 trillion yen ( $51 billion). Several scandals have brought down his popularity, with a poll from last December indicating a record low approval rating of just 17%, according to reports .

What Is the Significance of the Japanese Prime Minister’s State Visit to the U.S.?

Relations between Japan and the United States are vital to ensuring both economic and military stability within the Pacific region at a time when concerns have been rising over China’s desire to expand its presence there, says Jeffrey Hornung, Japan lead for the National Security Research Division at RAND Corp., a global research organization. China for years has expressed a desire to take over control of Taiwan, Hornung says, and has more recently been in a territorial dispute with the Philippines over control of much of the South China Sea.

Hornung says the meeting between Biden and Kishida will help to highlight the strong alliance between the two countries in the face of heightened tensions with China as well as North Korea.

“It’s messaging, as well as an opportunity to just make sure the two countries are on the same page in moving forward in the various fields that they’re likely to discuss,” Hornung says.

What Is Likely to Be Discussed During Fumio Kishida’s State Visit to the U.S.?

One of the leading topics of discussion will be strategies for defense of the Pacific region moving forward, with a focus on strengthening the military industrial supply chain between Japan and the U.S., says Mireya Solis, director of the Center for Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank.

Solis says new efforts are underway to restructure U.S military command in Japan in order to better coordinate joint military exercises as well as a defense response if Japan is attacked.

Also likely to be discussed is a potential invitation for Japan to become a member of AUKUS, a security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S. launched in 2021 to provide Australia with nuclear-powered and conventionally-armed submarines.

On Thursday, the White House will hold a trilateral summit in which Kishida and Biden will be joined by Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to highlight their commitment to cooperation.

“The United States, with Japan at its side, is developing networks for a coalition of the like-minded to address some of the most significant challenges,” Solis says.

The two men are also likely to discuss cooperation in space exploration. Biden and Kishida are “expected to confirm Japan’s participation in NASA’s Artemis moon program as well as its contribution of a moon rover developed by Toyota Motor Corp.,” according to the Associated Press.

What Are Areas of Tension Between Japan and the U.S.?

Hornung says the only potential issue of contention between Japan and the U.S. lies not with their policies, but with an impending purchase of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel of Japan, which Biden has publicly opposed . Both Hornung and Solis however say it is very unlikely either Kishida or Biden will bring up the sale during their talks due to the politically sensitive nature of the issue both in the U.S. and in Japan.

“I think the position has been that they’re going to let the process work itself out,” Solis says.

What Is the Relationship Between the U.S. and Japan?

Hornung says the relationship between the U.S. and Japan currently is probably the strongest it has ever been, with the two countries fully aligned in their policies toward China, Russia and North Korea.

Solis agrees the current relationship is solid, adding that Japan’s more active role in recent years in trade and diplomacy with other countries has mostly aligned with the U.S. and elevated its presence in places like Africa and South America.

But uncertainty hangs over the meeting, with questions over whose hands will be controlling American foreign policy after the November 2024 U.S. presidential election. Former President Donald Trump – the presumptive Republican presidential nominee – has previously embraced a more transactional type of relationship regarding its alliance with countries like Japan, which still sees the U.S. as key to its security, Solis says.

“If the United States were to pull back being fully committed to its alliances that would obviously change things in a very profound way,” Solis says.

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Biden and Kishida Agree to Tighten Military and Economic Ties to Counter China

President Biden is hosting Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, for a state visit as part of a broad diplomatic outreach.

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By Peter Baker and Michael D. Shear

Reporting from the White House Rose Garden

President Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan announced a range of moves on Wednesday to further enhance military, economic and other cooperation between the two longtime allies as part of the president’s efforts to counter China’s aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a pomp-filled ceremony honoring the visiting Japanese prime minister, the president said the United States and Japan would create an expanded defense architecture with Australia, participate in three-way military exercises with Britain and explore ways for Japan to join a U.S.-led coalition with Australia and Britain.

Mr. Biden also announced that the United States would take a Japanese astronaut to the moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program, which would be the first time a non-American has set foot on the moon.

“This is the most significant upgrade of our alliance since it was first established,” Mr. Biden said at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden along with the prime minister.

Mr. Kishida made a point of reaffirming Japan’s “strong support for Ukraine” in its war against Russia, a key priority for Mr. Biden, and framed the European conflict in terms of the precedent it could set in Japan’s neighborhood. “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow,” Mr. Kishida said.

Biden Hosts Japan’s Prime Minister at the White House

President biden called the united states and japan “the closest of friends” during a welcoming ceremony for prime minister fumio kishida..

Just a few generations ago, our two nations were locked in a devastating conflict. It would have been easy to say we remain adversaries. Instead, we made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends. Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Kishida, welcome back to the White House.

Mr. Biden’s statements on Wednesday fit into a long history of American presidents declaring that the U.S.-Japan relationship was the most important bilateral alliance in the world.

In preparation for the state visit, Mr. Biden’s aides described the closer military link as one of the biggest upgrades of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, which dates back to early 1960, an Eisenhower-era innovation to turn a former World War II enemy into what later presidents called America’s “biggest aircraft carrier in the Pacific.”

There has always been a bit of hyperbole to the statement. But as the perceived threat from China has grown, Japan has been the linchpin of broader U.S. efforts to unify its separate allies in the region — especially South Korea and the Philippines — into a coordinated force.

The prime minister’s visit comes at the same time Mr. Biden is strengthening the American partnership with the Philippines, which also finds itself the target of a mounting Chinese military presence in the South China Sea. On Thursday, Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines to demonstrate their joint commitment.

The day began with a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn, where Mr. Biden hailed the relationship between the United States and Japan as a “cornerstone of peace, security, prosperity” and said that President Eisenhower’s promise of an “indestructible partnership” had been achieved.

“Just a few generations ago, our two nations were locked in a devastating conflict,” Mr. Biden said after he and Mr. Kishida watched a procession of U.S. military honor guards upon the prime minister’s arrival at the White House. “It would have been easy to say we remain adversaries. Instead, we made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends.”

The Biden administration signaled the importance of its relationship with Tokyo by holding an official state dinner on Wednesday evening in honor of Mr. Kishida, something reserved for America’s closest allies.

The visit comes amid hand-wringing in Washington and Tokyo over the possibility of a return to power by former President Donald J. Trump, whose unpredictable foreign policy kept many world leaders on edge. One goal for Mr. Biden, officials said, is to create as much permanence in the Japanese relationship as possible before the election in November.

One administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the upcoming meeting, said there was “anxiety in capitals” around the world, including in Tokyo, about whether Mr. Trump would continue the international engagement that Mr. Biden and prior presidents have embraced. Another official said there was a real risk that Mr. Trump, if re-elected, could move to undo what the leaders of the two countries announced on Wednesday.

Mr. Biden and Mr. Kishida outlined greater coordination and integration between the military forces of both countries, including the formation of a joint defense council that could support more defense-related exports of equipment produced in Japan. And officials agreed on new cooperation on ventures in space and collaboration between research institutions working on artificial intelligence, semiconductors and clean energy.

“The American alliance system has helped bring peace and stability to the Indo-Pacific for decades, and now we need to update and upgrade that alliance network for the modern age,” said Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. “It goes way beyond security. It’s economics. It’s technology. It’s infrastructure development. And it’s diplomacy. And that’s all going to be on display in the meeting with the prime minister.”

Rahm Emanuel, the United States ambassador to Japan, called the meeting a chance for the two nations to go beyond America’s work to protect Japan and to “write the first chapter of the next era” of cooperation as they work together to project power throughout the region.

That would be a more far-reaching relationship than the United States has historically had with Japan, which for decades after World War II restricted its spending on defense and its engagement around the world.

That began to change during the past several years, under Mr. Kishida, who pushed to expand defense spending and participate in global efforts like the sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Administration officials said Japan’s new willingness to become a full partner with the United States on the global stage has taken the alliance between the two countries to a new level.

But there are still some tensions. The two leaders had to dance carefully around Mr. Biden’s reluctance to let a Japanese firm buy a storied U.S. steel maker. That struck national security experts as strange, since such deals are usually blocked only when they give critical technology to adversaries, not allies.

“The idea that you block the acquisition of a company by one of your closest allies makes no sense in alliance-building terms,” said Joseph S. Nye Jr., an emeritus professor at Harvard who designed many of the defense cooperation strategies with Japan in the Clinton administration.

The meeting on Thursday between Mr. Biden, Mr. Kishida and Mr. Marcos represents a more aggressive effort by the United States and its allies to isolate China — rather than allowing the Chinese leadership to intimidate and isolate its neighbors in the South China Sea and elsewhere.

The Thursday meeting will be the first time that the leaders of the three nations have met together, officials said.

“We’re continuing to deepen our cooperation with our closest partners to ensure what we’ve talked about many times from this podium and elsewhere: a free, open and prosperous Indo Pacific,” Mr. Sullivan told reporters during a briefing at the White House on Tuesday.

Mr. Sullivan declined to say whether Mr. Biden would raise with Mr. Kishida the issue of plans by Nippon Steel, a Japanese corporation, to acquire U.S. Steel , the struggling manufacturer based in Pittsburgh. Mr. Biden has publicly said that he will have “the backs” of union steel workers, indicating his opposition to the deal.

“You guys all know Joe Biden,” he said. “You’ve seen Joe Biden. He’s been very clear that he’s going to stand up for American workers. He’s going to defend your interests. He’s also been very clear that he is going to make sure that the U.S.-Japan alliance is the strongest it’s ever been.”

But administration officials said later on Tuesday that they did not think the subject would come up between the two leaders on Wednesday because both men already know the position of the other.

Mr. Biden greeted Mr. Kishida on Tuesday evening for a brief arrival at the White House. Later, the two leaders and their wives went to BlackSalt, an upscale seafood restaurant in Washington, for a more casual dinner ahead of the formal events on Wednesday.

White House officials said the couples had exchanged a series of gifts on Tuesday evening, a diplomatic tradition for such events. The official gift from Mr. Biden and Jill Biden, the first lady, was a three-legged table that was handmade by a Japanese American-owned company in Pennsylvania.

Other gifts included a lithograph and a two-volume LP set autographed by Billy Joel and a vintage vinyl record collection. Dr. Biden gave Ms. Kishida a framed painting of the Yoshino cherry tree that the two had planted on the South Lawn last spring, and a soccer ball signed by the U.S. women’s national soccer team and the Japanese women’s team.

At the state dinner, the White House was scheduled to serve a meal that would include house-cured salmon and dry-aged rib-eye steak with blistered shishito pepper butter.

David E. Sanger contributed reporting.

An earlier version of this article misstated which countries belong to a security pact that Japan may join. Its members are the United States, Australia and Britain, not the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of a home page headline with this article misstated the surname of Japan’s prime minister. He is Fumio Kishida, not Fushida.

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Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

Michael D. Shear is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, covering President Biden and his administration. He has reported on politics for more than 30 years. More about Michael D. Shear

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Japanese Prime Minister’s visit is a chance to celebrate our friendship with like-minded nations: article by Jeremy Hunt

Writing in City A.M. the Foreign Secretary discusses UK-Japan economic ties, security cooperation and our determination to uphold our shared values.

I sometimes find that foreign leaders are more aware of Britain’s national strengths than we are at home.

So let me itemise a few of them.

The UK has the fifth biggest economy in the world, the third biggest overseas aid budget, the second largest military budget in NATO, and a world-class diplomatic network, including permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

Our friendships and alliances span the globe. Britain’s role is to use these connections to be what I call an ‘invisible chain’, linking the democracies of the world to uphold the post-1945 order.

Foreign Secretary Hunt welcomes PM Abe to the UK

Jeremy Hunt welcomes Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the UK

Today, the leader of a fellow democracy with the same objective will arrive in London.

Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, represents a nation closely connected to Britain.

Some countries are endowed with immense natural resources; others are located in the midst of great continents. Britain and Japan have neither of these advantages. We are both islands off the Eurasian landmass with modest natural resources and no option except to prosper through enterprise, innovation, and a global outlook.

Although separated by distance, Britain and Japan have built a remarkable economic partnership. As I write, about 1,000 Japanese companies are operating here, directly employing over 150,000 people and many thousands more in their supply chains.

In the last 4 decades, the ingenuity and expertise of Japanese management has helped transform vital sectors of the UK economy, from automotives to pharmaceuticals. All over Britain, people have benefited from the long-term, community-focused approach to business that is the hallmark of Japanese investment.

British business, meanwhile, is increasingly successful in the Japanese market. In 2017 alone, UK exports to Japan rose by over 12% to reach £13.5 billion.

I first visited the country in 1990 with the aim of learning Japanese. I was introduced to Japan and wonderfully looked after by Japanese families across the country. For almost 2 years, I lived in Kyoto, Nagasaki, and Tokyo.

I learned Japanese with the aid of part-time jobs as a waiter in a French restaurant in Nagasaki and a coffee shop in Tokyo. I soon discovered the difference between the exceptionally polite form of Japanese we would use with customers and the informal conversation in the family home.

This experience left me with a great admiration for Japanese politeness, perfectionism, and determination.

At that time, Britain’s relationship with Japan was focused on economic ties. More recently, our friendship has gone a step further. At a time when the world order that we both wish to preserve is under greater strain than for many decades, Britain and Japan are cooperating in new fields.

The Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the British Army have all been in Japan for joint exercises since 2016. Just last week, a British frigate, HMS Argyll, saw in the new year in Tokyo. We are working side by side to enforce United Nations sanctions on North Korea and help other countries against terrorism.

Britain and Japan share the same values of human rights and the rule of law, and the same determination to uphold those values around the world.

It is our friendship with other countries which share our outlook that is the vital building block for a confident post-Brexit future.

Video message from Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt added

First published.

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