US-Japan Foreign Ministers Meeting... Asahi Reports Possible Postponement of Kishida's March US Visit Amid 'Resignation Crisis' Rumors

Yoko Kamikawa, Japan's Foreign Minister, who is visiting the United States, met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and international affairs.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 13th, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that during the meeting on the 12th (local time), Minister Blinken and Minister Kamikawa agreed to work on enhancing the deterrence and response capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

The two ministers also discussed global regional situations. Regarding China, they agreed to cooperate and urged a peaceful resolution of the cross-Strait (China and Taiwan) issue. Additionally, concerning North Korea's nuclear missiles and related responses, they agreed that the U.S., Japan, and South Korea should closely cooperate.

They also talked about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and issues in the Middle East.

This meeting was held as a preliminary consultation for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's expected state visit to the United States in early March.

However, due to recent political developments in both countries, there are predictions that Prime Minister Kishida's visit to the U.S. in March may be difficult. The Asahi Shimbun reported before the U.S.-Japan foreign ministers' meeting that "within the U.S. administration, concerns have arisen that Prime Minister Kishida may be forced to resign in April due to investigations into political funding related to the Liberal Democratic Party," and that "the initially anticipated March visit is expected to be postponed."