Biden praises Prime Minister Kishida's leadership and Japan's growing international clout
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President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's "bold" leadership on a series of global crises as he welcomed the Japanese leader to the White House. The visit included discussions on the security situation in the Pacific, the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and more. The visit marks the completion of the Democratic administration's focus on elevating the Quad partnership between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India. Biden emphasized the unbreakable alliance between Japan and the United States and Japan's growing international influence. Kishida announced that Japan is giving 250 cherry trees to the U.S. to mark America's 250th birthday in 2026. Both Biden and Kishida are facing political challenges at home. The leaders announced plans to upgrade U.S.-Japan military relations, focusing on improving interoperability and planning between the two countries' forces. They also confirmed Japan's participation in NASA's Artemis moon program and its contribution of a moon rover. Biden praised Japan's increase in defense spending and its support in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The leaders expressed openness to direct talks between Japan and North Korea over the abduction of Japanese citizens. Kishida will participate in a U.S.-Japan-Philippines summit to discuss China's aggressive actions in the region.

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https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/biden-honor-pm-kishida-reflect-japans-growing-clout-109074159