Biden and Japan's Kishida forge new partnership, eyeing China and Russia

U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday unveiled plans for military cooperation and projects ranging from missiles to moon landings, strengthening their alliance with an eye on countering China and Russia.

A joint news conference at the White House reflected the growing importance of Japan on the world stage and to the United States, as the two leaders weighed in on Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, North Korea and other world flashpoints.

Biden and Kishida brushed off a dispute over Nippon Steel's offer for U.S. Steel, saying the issue was not a major factor in their discussions on a day of White House pomp and pageantry that culminated in a lavish state dinner.

"This is the most significant upgrade in our alliance since it was first established," Biden said after about two hours of talks that focused on the restive Indo-Pacific region and China's actions.

The United States and its allies, including Japan, have been bolstering their militaries to counter what they see as a growing threat from China in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and to deter any attempt to seize Taiwan, a self-ruled Island that Beijing considers its own.

Kishida said the two leaders discussed tense relations between Taiwan and China, and pledged to uphold international order based on the rule of law. Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently said outside interference could not stop the island's "family reunion" with mainland China.

"Unilateral attempts to change status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable, wherever it may be," Kishida said. The U.S. and Japan will continue to respond to such actions, including challenges from China, he said.

"Regarding Russia's aggression of Ukraine ...