WASHINGTON—Following their summit at the White House, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden both touted the new global partnership between their nations during a joint news conference on April 10.

The two leaders stressed that their nations would strengthen cooperation on a wide range of issues, including national security, economic interests and advanced technology.

At the news conference, Biden said, “The partnership between Japan and the United States has been transformed into a truly global partnership.”

After Kishida said the two nations would resolutely protect a free and open international order based on the rule of law, he added, “Now is the time for Japan and the United States to demonstrate their true value as global partners.”

Kishida emphasized the moves his administration has implemented to strengthen its defense capabilities, including developing the ability to counterattack enemy bases, and vastly increasing defense spending to 2 percent of gross domestic product.

“After explaining our strong resolve to strengthen our defense, President Biden again supported our efforts,” Kishida said.

He said the Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military would strengthen interoperability as well as having each side improve their respective command and control frameworks. He said specific discussions would be held at the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee, consisting of the foreign and defense chiefs from both countries, scheduled for late May.

Regarding such moves, Biden said, “This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established.”

The joint statement issued by the two leaders said Japan would consider how it could cooperate in AUKUS, the national security framework involving the United States, Britain and Australia.

“(AUKUS) is exploring how Japan can join our work which focuses on advanced capabilities, including AI," Biden said. "All told, that represents a new benchmark for our military cooperation across a range of capabilities.”

While saying Japan had always supported the AUKUS measure, Kishida only said specific areas of cooperation would be decided upon after further consideration.

The joint statement said Japan, the United States and Britain would begin joint training exercises in 2025.

China’s maritime advances in the East China and South China seas were also discussed at the summit.

At the news conference, Kishida said, “We strongly oppose any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion.”

However, he said it would also be important to promote a strategic relationship seeking mutual benefits with China based on dialogue.

Regarding the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea, Kishida said he sought the United States’ understanding and cooperation for Japan’s efforts to immediately resolve the issue and received strong support from Biden.

He reiterated his intention to seek a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un through high-level bureaucratic discussions between the two nations.

Indicating he welcomed dialogue between Japan and North Korea, Biden said, “I have faith in Japan and in the prime minister. I think that seeking dialogue with them is a good thing.”

The two leaders were also asked about the opposition within the United States over the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel Corp. by Nippon Steel Corp., a Japanese steelmaker. 

Kishida said, “I hope discussions that are beneficial to both Japan and the United States can be held. I believe the appropriate procedures based on law will be carried out.

While Biden said, “I stand by my commitment to American workers,” he added that he was also committed to strengthening the alliance with Japan.

The joint statement also said the two nations would establish a new Forum on Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition and Sustainment (DICAS) to promote joint development and production of defense equipment, such as missiles, as well as allowing for maintenance and repair work on U.S. ships and aircraft by Japanese companies.

The joint statement also criticized China for its “recent dangerous and escalatory behavior supporting its unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea (which) are inconsistent with international law.”

(This article was written by Keishi Nishimura and Ryo Kiyomiya.)