"Creating a Peaceful Indo-Pacific" Kishida and Harris Hold First Meeting... Confirm Strengthening of US-Japan Alliance Deterrence

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held talks on the 26th with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who visited Japan to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This was the first face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and Vice President Harris.

According to Kyodo News and others on the 26th, during the talks held at the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Tokyo, the two confirmed the strengthening of the deterrence of the U.S.-Japan alliance with China in mind.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida said, "The most important task for both countries is the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific," adding, "We want to cooperate to realize the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' emphasized by former Prime Minister Abe."

Vice President Harris emphasized, "The United States' commitment to the defense of Japan is unwavering," and stated, "We are ready to stand together when Japan faces threats."

Prime Minister Kishida will also have dinner with Vice President Harris. After attending the state funeral of former Prime Minister Abe at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on the 27th, Vice President Harris is scheduled to visit South Korea on the 29th to meet President Yoon Suk-yeol.

From the 26th to the 28th, Prime Minister Kishida will hold talks with nearly 40 foreign dignitaries who have come to Japan to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Abe.