Kishida Expresses Japan's Intention To Join Ipef, Work Closely With Us
Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has suggested that his country will join the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF.
US President Joe Biden announced the start of talks to launch the trade initiative at a meeting in Tokyo on Monday afternoon.
It is seen as a way for the US to counter the increasing influence of China in the region.
Kishida said at the meeting that Biden is clearly demonstrating Washington's strong commitment to the region by making the announcement in Japan.
He said Japan will work closely with the United States. He also said the two countries will join hands with other regional partners, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to build the new framework.
The prime minister stressed the importance of ASEAN playing a pivotal role in the framework. He said Japan respects the bloc's unity and centrality.
A total of 13 countries will join the talks. In addition to the US and Japan, they include India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. The grouping represents about 40 percent of the world's gross domestic product.