Kishida's First Call with Biden After Inauguration... "Senkaku, Reaffirmation of US-Japan Security Treaty Application"

Congratulations on Inauguration and Promise of Early Face-to-Face Talks
Phone Call with Australian Prime Minister Also Planned

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden for the first time since taking office, discussing the strengthening of the U.S.-Japan alliance framework and issues related to countering China. Kishida is also expected to have a phone call soon with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, focusing on diplomatic activities with Quad member countries, a military alliance aimed at countering China, from the early days of his administration.

On the 5th, the Japanese government announced that Kishida had a phone call with President Biden at around 8 a.m. for about 20 minutes, marking his first conversation with a foreign leader since taking office the previous day. The two leaders reportedly discussed cooperation policies aimed at realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific region, centered on the U.S.-Japan alliance.

At a press conference following the call, Kishida emphasized, "President Biden made a strong commitment to Japan’s defense, including that Okinawa Prefecture’s Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China), which are currently subject to a territorial dispute with China, fall under Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty." Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty stipulates the U.S. obligation to defend Japan in case of an emergency, reaffirming that the U.S. will provide assistance if the Senkaku Islands face military provocations or threats from China.

Kishida stated, "We agreed to consult more closely on issues concerning the U.S., China, and North Korea, and I feel this conversation was an important step for the U.S.-Japan alliance." Additionally, Kishida reportedly promised to visit the U.S. soon for a face-to-face meeting with President Biden.

Kishida is also scheduled to have a phone call soon with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a member of the Quad, the military consultation framework aimed at countering China. From the moment he took office, he plans to actively engage in inaugural diplomacy with allied leaders, especially those from Quad member countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.