Forging Fortitude: Japan-U.S.-Australia Alliance Bolsters Regional Defense

President Joe Biden rolled out his diplomatic red carpet for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, calling him a visionary and courageous leader in Asia. The leaders unveiled new initiatives, including a joint lunar mission,

 investment in semiconductors and clean energy, and research on quantum computing and artificial intelligence. But the strongest focus is on military deterrence, 

enhancing cooperation not only in the South China Sea but also in the air. For the first time, Japan, the United States, and Australia will create a network system of air missile and defense architecture. There will be an upgrade of command and control of American and Japanese soldiers, increasing force operability with ramped-up defense spending and high-tech capacity. 

Tokyo is a key player in Biden's regional strategic architecture to deter China. Japan is set to begin supporting the AAS partnership between the US, Australia, and the United Kingdom, said Kishida. "For Japan to have direct cooperation with Australia, nothing has been decided at this moment. Going forward with the US, UK, or with Australia, with such countries in bilateral or multilateral frameworks, we will continue cooperation.

" Biden and Kishida will expand their meeting into a trilateral summit Thursday, adding Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., another US ally. That meeting will focus on freedom of navigation as tensions in the South China Sea ramp up between Beijing and Manila. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maing said the US move stokes confrontation. 

"No external intervention will affect China's will and determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests." Kishida also came to the defense of Washington's cherry blossom trees, offering to replace the hundreds that must be removed due to construction. 

The Japanese government gifted the original 3,000 in 1912, delighting Washington tourists each spring. Wednesday evening, the US president hosts a state dinner for Kishida, the fifth foreign leader provided with the honor since Biden took office.