Biden to meet Japan’s PM Kishida amid shared concerns about China and differences on US Steel deal

President Joe Biden is set to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington on Friday, amid shared concerns about China’s growing influence in the region and differences on the recent US Steel deal.

The meeting comes at a critical time as both countries grapple with the challenges posed by China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan, a key US ally in the region, has been increasingly concerned about Beijing’s military activities in the East China Sea, as well as its human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Both leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen their alliance and coordinate their efforts to counter China’s influence in the region. This includes expanding security cooperation, enhancing economic ties, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

However, one issue that may cause some friction in the meeting is the recent US Steel deal. The Biden administration recently reached a deal with Japan and the European Union to resolve a long-standing trade dispute over tariffs on steel and aluminum. The deal, which includes a reduction in tariffs on steel imports from Japan and the EU, has been criticized by some US lawmakers and industry groups for not going far enough to protect American workers.

Prime Minister Kishida is likely to raise concerns about the impact of the deal on Japanese steel exports to the US, as well as the broader implications for the global steel market. He may also seek assurances from President Biden that the US will continue to uphold the rules-based trading system and work with its allies to address trade disputes in a fair and transparent manner.

Despite these differences, both leaders are expected to reaffirm the strong partnership between the US and Japan and their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the two countries to deepen their cooperation on a wide range of issues, from security and defense to climate change and public health.

Overall, the Biden-Kishida meeting is likely to showcase the enduring strength of the US-Japan alliance and the importance of working together to address the complex challenges of the 21st century. As both countries navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific, their partnership will be crucial in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for the region and beyond.