Japan doubles down on US alliance as China looms

FUMIO Kishida lacks charisma and is unpopular at home. But during the Japanese prime minister’s visit to Washington this week, he is getting a hero’s welcome.

The popularity of Kishida with the Biden administration goes well beyond routine backslapping for a close ally. Under him, Japan has made some of the most important changes in its foreign and security policies since World War II. These shifts are driven by Japan’s determination to prevent an authoritarian China from dominating the Indo-Pacific.

The increasing closeness of Washington and Tokyo will be showcased when Kishida addresses Congress on Thursday (Apr 11). Plans for American and Japanese military commanders to work alongside each other in Tokyo will also be spelt out this week.