U.S. President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe began their meeting in Tokyo on Thursday by stressing a common
message: their alliance is an asset not just for their two
countries, but for the entire Asian-Pacific region.
Following a tete-a-tete over sushi Wednesday night, the two
leaders met for a formal summit meeting Thursday morning to discuss
a range of issues. Members of the press were invited to attend for
the first 10 minutes, and the two leaders highlighted some of their
security concerns in the region.
"The U.S.-Japan alliance is a foundation not only for our
security in the Asia-Pacific region but also for the region as a
whole," Mr. Obama said. "We are looking at a whole range of issues
that are challenging at this time, including the threats posed by
North Korea and the nuclearization that's been taking place in that
country."
The meeting was held at the Akasaka Palace, a stately
neo-baroque building near the imperial palace used as the
government's official guest house. A dozen officials sat on each
side of a long table under sparkling chandeliers. In contrast to
Mr. Abe and his all-male team, Mr. Obama was flanked by two women.
On his right was Caroline Kennedy, whom the president appointed as
the U.S's first female ambassador to Japan last year. On his left
was National Security Adviser Susan Rice.
Even as the Obama administration advances its "pivot" to Asia,
it wants to see regional allies such as Japan and Australia take on
bigger security responsibilities in a region rife with challenges,
including China's military buildup and territorial disputes. That's
because Washington faces mounting policy challenges elsewhere, from
Ukraine to Syria, as well as constraints in its defense budget.
Mr. Abe, meanwhile, is eager to secure Mr. Obama's endorsement
for his push to remove some of the tough constitutional restraints
on Japan's military and allow it to play a greater role in the
alliance and regional security.
"My administration intends to contribute to regional peace and
prosperity more proactively than ever," he said. "Together with the
United States, Japan would like to realize our leading role in the
alliance in ensuring peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific."
Mr. Abe commended Mr. Obama's four-nation tour of Asia Pacific
as a "testament to the U.S.'s robust policy" of refocusing on the
region.
Write to Yuka Hayashi at yuka.hayashi@wsj.com
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