Biden Hosts Kishida at White House, Strengthening US-Japan Alliance Amid China Concerns

The state dinner celebrated US-Japan friendship with a blend of cultures and strategic discussions on defense and security cooperation.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko at the White House for a state dinner, emphasizing the strong US-Japan alliance.
The state dinner featured a menu blending American and Japanese flavors, including dry-aged ribeye steak and house-cured salmon, alongside decor celebrating cherry blossoms and performances by Paul Simon.
The visit underscored shared concerns about China's military actions in the Pacific and differences over the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel.
Biden and Kishida are set to discuss defense and security cooperation, with plans for a council on defense industries and maintenance of US Navy ships in Japan.
The leaders' meetings will also cover cooperation with the Philippines to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, including more joint patrols and possible Japanese involvement in the AUKUS security pact.