Biden recommits to defend Japan after Kishida visit

President Joe Biden has praised Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for his decision to bolster Japan's defense posture as the two countries experience tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia.

Japan announced last month it would reinvest in its defense after decades of pacifism, the investments amounting to its most extensive military buildup since World War II. In a joint statement Friday, the two leaders described that spending as boosting security across the Indo-Pacific "and beyond" while modernizing the U.S.-Japan relationship for the 21st century.

"President Biden reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan under Article V of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear," the pair wrote after South Korea indicated its desire to nuclearize. "He also reaffirmed that Article V applies to the Senkaku Islands."

They added, "The leaders also instructed their ministers to reinforce cooperation on the development and effective employment of Japan’s counterstrike and other capabilities."