Biden meets Japan’s Emperor at start of visit to launch regional economic plan


The cornerstone of Mr. Biden’s two-day visit, which includes meetings with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia, the “Quad”, will be the launch later Monday of the Indo- Pacific, a broad plan providing an economic backbone for its engagement with Asia.

Biden arrived at the palace, where he was greeted by Naruhito, and the two exchanged greetings before being ushered inside, both wearing white masks.

Biden’s visit to the Emperor will be followed by talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during which the two nations are expected to discuss Japan’s plans to expand its military capabilities and reach in response to China’s growing power.

The two main allies should also reconfirm their close ties in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, agreeing that unilateral changes to the status quo by force are unacceptable.

Concerns are growing in Asia about an increasingly assertive China, particularly in light of its close ties with Russia, and tensions in particular have risen around Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province.

North Korea and regional issues will also be on the agenda, with Biden due to meet later in the day on Monday with the families of Japanese people who were abducted years ago to train spies in North Korea.



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