Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Summary)

At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to President Biden for hosting the meeting at his private residence, following the White House during Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the United States in this April. Prime Minister Kishida stated that, as the international order that has been supporting peace and prosperity of the two countries faces new challenges and is at a historic turning point, the Japan-U.S. Alliance and cooperation as global partners are becoming increasingly important.

The two leaders comprehensively reviewed the progress of Japan-U.S. relations including the outcomes of Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit in this April and candidly exchanged their views on common issues that both countries share. President Biden expressed his appreciation for the special friendship he has with Prime Minister Kishida and commended Prime Minister Kishida’s contributions to developing Japan-U.S. relations and addressing challenges that the international community is facing.

Prime Minister Kishida stated the Japan-U.S. Alliance had become stronger than ever under President Biden’s leadership, and both leaders concurred on the importance of continuing to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to steadily advancing bilateral security cooperation, based on the Japan-U.S. Joint Leaders’ Statement issued in this April.

Prime Minister Kishida emphasized that Japan and the U.S. further promote a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" through advancing their partnerships with like-minded countries, including the G7, Japan-Australia-India-U.S., Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK), and Japan-U.S.-Philippines, and also stressed the need to advance such cooperation with the Global South.

Prime Minister Kishida referred to the achievements in the field of economy, including the launching of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee (the Economic “2+2”.) He also highlighted that Japan has been contributing to the U.S. economy as the largest investor in the U.S. and that it will continue to further strengthen Japan-U.S. cooperation based on these foundations.

The two leaders exchanged their views on regional issues:
(1) The two leaders shared the view to continue working closely together in addressing issues related to China, and confirmed that both countries would oppose and resolutely respond to any unilateral attempts by China to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas. They also reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, they also confirmed the importance of continuing dialogue and cooperating with China on shared challenges.
(2) Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the significant progress in Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation, building on the achievements of the Japan-U.S.-ROK Summit at Camp David in August last year. Prime Minister Kishida referred to his recent visit to ROK and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen Japan-ROK relations as well as Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation. The two leaders held a candid discussion on the latest situation related to North Korea, including its nuclear and missile development and the abductions issue.
(3) Prime Minister Kishida expressed his determination to continue severe sanctions against Russia and robust support for Ukraine. The two leaders shared the view to continue to closely cooperate with each other.
(4) Prime Minister Kishida expressed that he strongly supports President Biden’s diplomatic efforts toward securing the release of hostages and achieving a ceasefire in the Middle East. The two leaders concurred to continue working closely together to stabilize the Middle East region.

Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation with the U.S. in leading efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons.

At the end of the meeting, the two leaders confirmed that Japan and the U.S. continue to be global partners at the core of a free and open international order.