U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 10th that he welcomes the opportunity for dialogue between Japan and North Korea.
During a joint press conference immediately after the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on this day, President Biden was asked, “Did you discuss the issue of promoting a Japan-North Korea summit?” and said, “We discussed that issue.”
“We welcome the opportunity for our allies to begin dialogue with North Korea,” he said. “I have confidence in Japan and Prime Minister Kishida, and I think seeking dialogue with them is a good and positive thing.” “He said.
He added, “We both agree that North Korea must address the international community’s serious concerns about human rights and humanitarianism, including an immediate resolution of the abduction issue.”
Regarding this, Prime Minister Kishida said, “We reached a consensus to cooperate even more closely on the current situation in North Korea, which is of serious concern, including nuclear and missile development.”
In particular, he added, “We exchanged candid opinions (with President Biden) based on the common recognition that the path to dialogue with North Korea is open,” and added, “The U.S. and Japan and the U.S. and Korea and Japan have agreed to cooperate more closely to respond.”
◼︎ Strengthening US-Japan military and security cooperation
At the meeting, the two leaders declared strengthening military and security cooperation and upgrading the alliance.
President Biden announced this at a press conference, saying, “The two countries are taking significant steps to strengthen defense and security cooperation.”
In addition, he explained, “We are modernizing the command and control structure and increasing the planning and interoperability of the military so that we can cooperate in a smooth and effective manner.”
In this regard, President Biden emphasized, “This is the most important upgrade since the alliance was first established.”
◼︎ “Defensive nature” due to possible Chinese backlash
Regarding the possibility of a backlash from China following this strengthening of U.S.-Japan military cooperation, President Biden said, “Our alliance with Japan is purely defensive in nature.”
“The things we discussed today to improve our cooperation are purely about defense and readiness,” he said.
At the welcoming ceremony prior to the meeting, President Biden mentioned the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty signed in 1951 and emphasized, “The goal was to build an indestructible partnership between the two countries, and it was achieved.”
Regarding our past history as opponents in World War II, he said, “Instead of remaining enemies, we made a better choice and became closest friends.”
He said, “The alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, and the alliance between our two countries is a truly global partnership.”
He also said, “The two countries are building a stronger defense partnership than before in the Indo-Pacific.”
VOA News
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2024-04-10 19:23:41