Tokyo and Washington signed 70 agreements on defense cooperation during the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to the White House.
US President Joe Biden said the two countries' forces will cooperate on a common command structure and develop a new air missile defense network together with Australia.
“We are increasing the interoperability and planning of our militaries so they can work together seamlessly and effectively,” Biden said at a joint press conference held by Biden and Fumio Kishida in the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday. "This is the most important development in our alliance since the day it was first established," he said and added:
“I am also pleased to announce that Japan, the United States and Australia will form a network system consisting of air, missile and defense architecture for the first time. “We also look forward to holding a trilateral military exercise with Japan and the United Kingdom.”
Kishida told reporters that the two leaders discussed the tense relations between Taiwan and China and promised to protect the international order based on the rule of law and said:
“We have confirmed that unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion are completely unacceptable. The United States and Japan will continue to respond to such actions, including challenges from China. Regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it is based on the recognition that Ukraine today could be East Asia tomorrow.”