In order to further regional security, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on Friday that he wished to work with North Korea as well as South Korea and the Philippines, two countries that the United States shares alliance with.
In a group interview, Kishida stated, “The current security environment is tough and complex, and we are at a turning point in history. Cooperation between Japan and the United States and like-minded countries is a very important issue. ”
Speaking ahead of their scheduled meeting with US President Joe Biden next week, the Japanese leader sought to challenge China’s increasing influence in Asia and discourage it from using force to settle regional problems.
During the first state visit by a Japanese leader to Washington in nine years, the two leaders are anticipated to discuss defense equipment cooperation and the possibility of upgrading the US military command structure in Japan. The purpose of the state visit is to highlight the tight security and economic relations between the two countries.
A trilateral summit with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines will take place after that meeting. “Close cooperation between Japan, the US, and the Philippines is crucial for a free and open order based on the rule of law and for economic prosperity in the region,” Kishida said.
In addition to establishing a reciprocal access deal with Manila that would facilitate easier training for Japanese troops, Japan last year handed four air defense radars to the Philippines.
Tokyo was able to improve security cooperation and heal relations with Seoul last year thanks to a separate trilateral meeting that took place in the United States between Kishida, Biden, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
