U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting on Saturday during the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, where they addressed several pressing regional and global issues. According to a White House statement, both leaders expressed shared concerns over China’s “coercive and destabilizing activities” in the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and ensuring freedom of navigation in the contested waters.
The discussion also covered their joint commitment to diplomatic engagement with China, underscoring the necessity of managing the competitive aspects of their relationship while avoiding conflict. Additionally, Biden and Kishida reiterated their resolve to uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, a critical area of strategic importance, amid growing tensions in the region.
Biden and Kishida also discussed Japan’s contributions to global security through the Quad and G7 leadership, along with support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, expressing strong opposition to any attempts to alter the status quo through force. They engaged in discussions regarding their diplomatic efforts with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), voicing shared concerns about the PRC’s coercive and destabilizing actions, particularly in the South China Sea. Additionally, they highlighted their dedication to advancing and safeguarding critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, while enhancing their resilience against economic coercion.
Both leaders committed to elevating the U.S.-Japan Alliance and remaining steadfast global partners, emphasizing their dedication to addressing challenges together in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
