Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden announced a ¡°new era¡± for their countries¡¯ alliance during a state visit to Washington by the Japanese leader on Wednesday, with the pair heralding a historic upgrade of defense ties as they look to beef up Tokyo¡¯s role in countering China¡¯s growing assertiveness.
The state visit ¡ª which includes all the fanfare, from a military honor guard in full regalia and a swanky black tie banquet ¡ª was the culmination of years of deepening cooperation under Biden and Kishida that has taken the U.S.-Japan relationship to new heights.
¡°Over the last three years, the partnership between Japan and the United States has been transformed into a truly global partnership,¡± Biden said ahead of talks with Kishida at the White House.
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