Suga To Leave For Washington To Meet Biden
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide will leave Tokyo late Thursday for Washington, where he will hold a summit meeting with US President Joe Biden.
This will be Suga's first visit to the US since he became prime minister last September. Suga will also be the first foreign leader Biden will meet in person since he took office in January.
At the White House summit on Friday, Suga hopes to mutually deepen personal trust and reaffirm the Japan-US alliance, which is the basis of Japan's diplomacy and national security.
He also plans to discuss with Biden how their countries can work together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The two leaders will frankly exchange views on China's increasing hegemony, and are expected to confirm how to deal with the country in such areas as national security.
Arrangements are being made for a post-summit joint statement, which could mention Taiwan and alleged human rights issues in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Suga is expected to seek US cooperation for a successful Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, with the Games less than 100 days away.
Japan's Foreign Ministry says Suga's entourage will be minimized due to coronavirus concerns. Only about 80 people will accompany the prime minister, which is 20 to 30 percent fewer than normal. Suga's wife will be among those who will stay in Japan.