바이든-스가 첫 정상회담 공동성명+기자회견+CoRe partnership fact sheet(210416)

U.S.- Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement: “U.S. – JAPAN GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR A NEW ERA”

APRIL 16, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

President Joseph R. Biden is honored to welcome Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide for the first foreign-leader visit of his presidency. Today, the United States and Japan renew an Alliance that has become a cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. An ocean separates our countries, but commitments (to universal values and common principles, including freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, international law, multilateralism, and a free and fair economic order, )unite us. Together we pledge to demonstrate that free and democratic nations, working together, are able to address the global threats from COVID-19 and climate change while resisting challenges to the free and open rules-based international order. Through this new era of friendship between the United States and Japan, each of our democracies will grow stronger still.

Our historic partnership is essential to the safety and prosperity of both our peoples. Forged in the wake of strife, the Alliance has become a bedrock to each of our nations. The world has changed many times over; our ties have pulled tighter. Our democracies have flourished, our economies have thrived, and we have become leaders in innovation. Our cultural and people-to-people ties have grown ever-deeper, and together we have led in multilateral institutions, in expanding global commerce and investment, and in advancing peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. In celebration of our long-standing and close bonds, President Biden and Prime Minister Suga recommit themselves to an indelible Alliance, to a rules-based approach to regional and global order founded on universal values and common principles, and to cooperation with all those who share in these objectives. The United States and Japan will remake these commitments for a new era.

THE ALLIANCE: FORGING A FREE AND OPEN INDO-PACIFIC

The U.S.-Japan Alliance is unwavering, and we are more prepared than ever to address regional challenges. Our Alliance advances a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific based on our commitment to universal values and common principles, and the promotion of inclusive economic prosperity. We respect sovereignty and territorial integrity and are committed to peacefully resolving disputes and to opposing coercion. We promote shared norms in the maritime domain, including freedom of navigation and overflight, as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

President Biden and Prime Minister Suga committed to further strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance to expand on this vision, and fully endorsed the March 2021 Joint Statement of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee. Japan resolved to bolster its own national defense capabilities to further strengthen the Alliance and regional security. The United States restated its unwavering support for Japan’s defense under the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear. It also reaffirmed the fact that Article V of the Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands. Together, we oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan’s administration of the Senkaku Islands. The United States and Japan committed to enhance deterrence and response capabilities in line with the increasingly challenging security environment, to deepen defense cooperation across all domains, including cyber and space, and to bolster extended deterrence. We also highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cybersecurity and information security, a foundational component of closer defense cooperation, and of safeguarding our technological advantages. We remain committed to the implementation of the current arrangements on the U.S. forces realignment, including the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Henoko as the only solution that avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, the Field Carrier Landing Practice Facility at Mageshima, and the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps units from Okinawa to Guam. We resolved to conclude in a timely manner a meaningful multi-year Host Nation Support agreement to ensure the stable and sustainable stationing of the U.S. forces in Japan.

President Biden and Prime Minister Suga exchanged views on the impact of China’s actions on peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world, and shared their concerns over Chinese activities that are inconsistent with the international rules-based order, including the use of economic and other forms of coercion. We will continue to work with each other based on universal values and common principles. We also recognize the importance of deterrence to maintain peace and stability in the region. We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea. We reiterated our objections to China’s unlawful maritime claims and activities in the South China Sea and reaffirmed our strong shared interest in a free and open South China Sea governed by international law, in which freedom of navigation and overflight are guaranteed, consistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.We underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. We share serious concerns regarding the human rights situations in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The United States and Japan recognized the importance of candid conversations with China, reiterated their intention to share concerns directly, and acknowledged the need to work with China on areas of common interest.

The United States and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, urging North Korea to abide by its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions, and called for full implementation by the international community. We intend to strengthen deterrence to maintain peace and stability in the region and will work together and with others to address the dangers associated with North Korea’s nuclear and missile program,( including the risk of proliferation). President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

Together, we will continue to work with allies and partners, including with Australia and India through the Quad, which has never been stronger, to build the free, open, accessible, diverse, and thriving Indo-Pacific we all seek. We support ASEAN’s unity and centrality in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We also concurred that trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea is essential to our shared security and prosperity. We firmly condemn violence committed by the Myanmar military and police against civilians, and commit to continue taking action to press for the immediate cessation of violence, the release of those who are detained, and a swift return to democracy.

AN ALLIANCE FOR A NEW ERA

Recognizing that our shared security and prosperity requires new forms of 21st century cooperation, President Biden and Prime Minister Suga have launched a new Competitiveness and Resilience (CoRe) Partnership. Our partnership will ensure that we lead a sustainable, inclusive, healthy, green global economic recovery. It will also generate economic growth guided by open and democratic principles, supported by transparent trade rules and regulations and high labor and environmental standards, and aligned with a low-carbon future. To achieve these goals, the partnership will focus on i) competitiveness and innovation, ii) COVID-19 response, global health, and health security, and iii) climate change, clean energy, and green growth and recovery.

The United States and Japan recognize that digital economy and emerging technologies have the potential to transform societies and bring about tremendous economic opportunities. We will collaborate to enhance our countries’ competitiveness, individually and together, by deepening cooperation in research and technology development in life sciences and biotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum information sciences, and civil space. President Biden and Prime Minister Suga affirmed their commitment to the security and openness of 5th generation (5G) wireless networks and concurred that it is important to rely on trustworthy vendors. The United States and Japan will engage with others through our enhanced Global Digital Connectivity Partnership to catalyze investments and to provide training and capacity building to promote vibrant digital economies. We will also partner on sensitive supply chains, including on semi-conductors, promoting and protecting the critical technologies that are essential to our security and prosperity.

The United States and Japan are committed to maintaining and further strengthening our robust bilateral trade relationship while advancing shared interests, including digital trade cooperation, the development of trade policies that support climate change objectives, World Trade Organization (WTO) reform, and promoting inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to work together bilaterally, as well as within the G7 and the WTO, to address the use of non-market and other unfair trade practices, (including violations of intellectual property rights, forced technology transfer, excess capacity issues, and the use of trade distorting industrial subsidies.) We reaffirm our commitment to achieving prosperity and maintaining economic order in the Indo-Pacific region while engaging with other like-minded partners.

Acknowledging that the climate crisis is an existential threat to the world, we realize that our countries must play a critical role in leading the global effort to combat this crisis. The United States and Japan are committed to taking decisive climate action by 2030, both aligned with efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2050 greenhouse-gas emissions net-zero goals. In recognition of this responsibility, President Biden and Prime Minister Suga have launched the U.S.-Japan Climate Partnership. This partnership has three pillars: first, Paris Agreement implementation and achievement of the 2030 targets/ nationally determined contributions (NDCs); second, clean energy technology development, deployment, and innovation; and third, efforts to support decarbonization in other countries, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

COVID-19 has shown our countries and the world that we are not prepared for a biological catastrophe. To that end, the United States and Japan will also strengthen cooperation to advance health security, respond to future public health crises, and build global health. At the first-ever leaders’ summit of the Quad on March 12, 2021, we established the Quad Vaccine Experts Group designed to expand safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing, procurement, and delivery for the Indo-Pacific region to supplement multilateral efforts. As we respond to COVID-19, we must also prepare for the next pandemic and strengthen global health security and bilateral public and private cooperation on global health. We will work together to reform the World Health Organization by strengthening its ability to prevent pandemics through early and effective prevention, detection, and response to potential health emergencies, and by increasing its transparency and ensuring it is free from undue influence. We will also support a transparent and independent evaluation and analysis, free from interference and undue influence, of the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak and for investigating outbreaks of unknown origin in the future. We resolved to take decisive action to help the Indo-Pacific build better regional pandemic preparedness, and will work together and multilaterally to build the capacity of all countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, including through existing initiatives like the Global Health Security Agenda, and a new partnership coordinating on a health security financing mechanism, regional surge capacity, and triggers for rapid response. Furthermore, as we look toward a healthier and more resilient future, we will bolster our support for COVAX. We will also cooperate on global COVID-19 vaccine supply and manufacturing needs toward ending the pandemic.

These new partnerships will harness our leadership in science, innovation, technology, and health at a time of extraordinary geopolitical change. They will allow us to build back better in the Indo-Pacific, leading the region to a more resilient and vibrant future.

LOOKING FORWARD

The charges we take up today are considerable, but we face them with resolve and unity. Together, we will ensure that our security relationship is steadfast, (despite challenges to our regional vision); that our partnership fuels a sustainable global economic recovery, after a year of global grief and hardship; and that we cooperate with like-minded partners around the world to lead a rules-based international order, despite challenges to its freedom and openness. People-to-people ties form the bedrock of our friendship and it is through initiatives such as the Mansfield Fellowship Program that we will continue to build bridges between our two societies that will sustain our Alliance into the future. President Biden supports Prime Minister Suga’s efforts to hold a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. Both leaders expressed their pride in the U.S. and Japanese athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit. Our governments will continue to meet at all levels, including to coordinate and implement our policies toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific. Above all, we renew our investment in the very idea of steadfast alliances – knowing that our partnership will make security and prosperity possible for both our peoples for decades to come.

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Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Suga of Japan at Press Conference

APRIL 16, 2021 • SPEECHES AND REMARKS

5:05 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, good afternoon.  The Prime Minister has brought the sun out, so he can do about anything.
Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for being here.  It’s been my pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Suga to the White House.  This is our first in-person meeting here — the first head of state that I’ve asked in my administration to come to the White House. 
Yoshi, thank you for making the long trip to Washington.  We’ve already met several times virtually on — at a G7 meeting and a Quad Leader Summit, but I greatly appreciate the chance to spend time with you in person and to make our — exchange our ideas face to face.  There’s no substitute for face-to-face discussions.
We are still talking — taking COVID precautions, being careful.  But our commitment to meet in person is indicative of the importance and the value we both place on this relationship between Japan and the United States — this partnership. 
We had a very productive discussion today.  When nations as close as ours get together, we always look for operations and opportunities to do more, and today was no exception. 
So, Yoshi, you’ll probably be seeing a lot more of me in the future.  And today, Prime Minister Suga and I affirmed our ironclad support for U.S.-Japanese alliance and for our shared security. 

We committed to working together to take on the challenges from China and on issues like the East China Sea, the South China Sea, as well as North Korea, to ensure a future of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Japan and the United States are two strong democracies in the region, and we’re committed — we’re committed to defending and advancing our shared values, including human rights and the rule of law. 
We’re going to work together to prove that democracies can still compete and win in the 21st century.  We can deliver for our people, and in the face of a rapidly changing world. 
So today, we’re announcing a new Competitive and Reliance [Resilience] partnership — CORE — between Japan and the United States that will enhance our ability — enhance our ability to meet the pressing challenges of our time — together meet those challenges. 

Top of our agenda is, of course, getting the pandemic under control and helping our friends and neighbors throughout the Indo-Pacific region to recover. 
Earlier this year, we — together with India and Australia — launched the landmark Quad Vaccine Partnership to expand the manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines and assist countries throughout the region with vaccination efforts.  And we have agreed to enhance our support for global vaccination efforts through the ACT Accelerator and COVID facility. 
We’re also going to do more beyond this pandemic to advance longer-term goals for health security, reform of the World Health Organization, and establishing a new partnership — a new partnership on health security to build better preparedness for the next pandemic, because there will be others.

Secondly, Japan and the United States are both deeply invested in innovation and looking to the future.  That includes making sure we invest in and protect the technologies that will maintain and sharpen our competitive edge.  And those technologies are governed by shared democratic norms that we both share — norms set by democracies, not by autocracies. 
So we’re going to work together across a range of fields — from promoting secure and reliable 5G networks; to increasing our cooperation on supply chains for critical sectors like semiconductors; to driving joint research in areas like AI, genomics, quantum computing, and much more. 

Thirdly, our nations are committed to taking aggressive action to meet the threats of climate change.  Next week, I’ll be hosting the Climate Leaders Summit — which Prime Minister Suga also plans to attend, thankfully — to rally key nations of the world to making ambitious climate commitments in the lead up to the Glasgow summit later this year. 
Japan and the United States are both committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and we know to do that will require setting and meeting our 2030 goals.  And we’ll work together to advance clean energy technologies and help nations throughout the Indo-Pacific region, especially developing countries, develop renewable energies and decarbonize their economies. 
And finally, both Prime Minister Suga and I value the incredible partnership that exists not just between our governments, but between the Japanese people and the American peoples. 
Last month, we jointly marked the 10th-year anniversary of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that cost so many lives in Japan. 
I visited that area shortly after it happened.  In our private lunch, the Vice President — the Pres- — the Prime Minister and I talked about, when I was Vice President, visiting the families in the region to show support of the United States.  We continue to mourn the loss of all those folks and to honor the extraordinary joint effort between Japan and the American people when the — in the wake of that tragedy, to recover and to rebuild.
And those personal bonds of friendship and constant — and connection, they’re the ones that are going to keep this alliance strong and vibrant for decades to come. 
And I’m especially proud that today we agreed to resume what we call — what is called the “Mansfield Fellowship Program” to promote people-to-people connections between our countries.  Before Mike Mansfield — who was a beloved ambassador to Japan — became ambassador, he was a mentor of mine when I came to the Senate after my wife and daughter were killed, and he helped me along in ways I can’t even explain in the United States Senate.  And I’m proud — I’m proud that this legacy continues to be honored as part of the close, enduring partnership between our nations.
And, Yoshi, I know how proud you are of — the people of Japan are in — you’ve got a Japanese boy coming over here, and guess what?  He won the Masters.  He won the Masters.  He won the Green Jacket.  And Matsuyama was the first Japanese player to take home that Green Jacket at the Masters Tournament this week.  So let me say congratulations to Japan as well on that feat.
Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for making the trip.  I look forward to all that Japan and United States will accomplish together in the coming years.  It was a great honor having you as the first head of state in my administration.
The floor is yours.

PRIME MINISTER SUGA:  (As interpreted.)  It is truly a pleasure to be here in person visiting Washington, D.C.  I would like to thank President Biden and Vice President Harris, who have welcomed me so warmly.  I also wish to extend my gratitude to all the members of the U.S. government who have worked to prepare for this occasion. 
The United States is Japan’s best friend.  Japan and the U.S. are allies that share universal values, such as freedom, democracy, and human rights.  Our alliance has served its role as the foundation of peace and stability for the Indo-Pacific region and the world. 
In light of the current regional situation and the severe security environment, the importance of our alliance has reached new heights.  Based on such common recognition at today’s summit, we engaged in far-reaching and candid exchange of views on each other’s political principles, challenges faced in each of our nations, our common vision, and other matters. 
President Biden and I reaffirmed the recognitions confirmed at the Japan-U.S. two-plus-two held last month, and agreed to engage in initiatives for the region based upon such recognitions. 
We also discussed the free and open Indo-Pacific.  We agreed that while Japan and the U.S. will take the lead to promote the vision through concrete efforts, we will also cooperate with other countries and regions, including the ASEAN, Australia, and India. 

We also had serious talks on China’s influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and the world at large.  We agreed to oppose any attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas, and intimidation of others in the region. 
At the same time, we agreed on the necessity for each of us to engage in frank dialogue with China.  And, in so doing, to pursue stability of international relations, while upholding universal values. 

On North Korea, we confirmed our commitment to the CVID of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges, and agreed to demand North Korea to fulfill its obligations under Security Council resolutions.
On the issue of abduction, we reaffirmed that it is a grave human rights issue, and that our two countries will work together to seek immediate resolution by North Korea.  Encountering North Korea, and for the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, both of us recognize that trilateral cooperation, including the ROK, has never been as important as today, and agreed to promote such collaboration.

Noting that the regional security environment has become increasingly severe, the deterrence and response capabilities of our alliance must be strengthened.  I conveyed my resolve to reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities while President Biden again demonstrated America’s commitment to the defense of Japan, including the application of Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security for the Senkaku Islands. 

We also agree to accelerate the review underway between our two countries on the specific means to strengthen our alliance.  At the same time, from the perspective of mitigating the impact on local communities, including, first and foremost, Okinawa, we agreed to promote the realignment of the U.S. forces in Japan, including the relocation of Air Station Futenma to Henoko, which is the only solution to avoid its permanent use.

In responding to the unprecedented crisis faced by the international community, such as COVID-19 and climate change, Japan and the U.S. are mutually indispensable partners. 
President Biden and I share the recognition that our two nations bear significant responsibilities to lead multilateral initiatives toward the resolution of such issues. 
In this context, we agree to respect international order based upon multilateralism and the rule of law while exercising joint leadership to build back better our global community. 
Based on such outcome of our meeting today, we are releasing the “Japan-U.S. Joint Leaders statement: Global Partnership for a New Era,” which will serve as the guiding post for our alliance in the times ahead, which strongly demonstrates our solidarity towards the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
From the perspective of our two nation’s leading efforts to build back better, President Biden and I agreed on the Japan-U.S. core partnership, and confirmed to promote cooperation in common priority areas, including promotion of competitiveness and innovation in digital science and technology, COVID-19 countermeasures, green growth, and climate change.

On competitiveness and innovation: Under the recognition that digital economy and new technologies, in particular, will bring about social transformation and huge economic opportunities, we have agreed that Japan and the U.S. will work together on the promotion of R&D on various areas, including digital area and others regarding response to COVID-19 from short-term responses to longer-term efforts, including their preparations for future similar incidents.
We will work on the promotion of multi-layered cooperations regarding the overall supply of vaccines and the reinforcement of Japan-U.S. public and private cooperation in the area of global health.  We confirmed that cooperations between our governments will continue in order to ensure equitable access to vaccines, including access by developing countries, multilateral and regional cooperations will be promoted.

On the matter of climate change, at the upcoming Climate Summit to be hosted by the U.S. next week or at COP26 and beyond, we confirmed that Japan and the U.S. will lead the global decarbonization in order to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement, clean energy technologies, or decarbonization transition of developing countries. 
I agreed with President Biden to launch climate partnership on ambition decarbonization and clean energy.  Under these initiatives, I wish to give impetus to concrete and comprehensive Japan-U.S. cooperations.
I discussed the increase of discriminations or violences against Asian people across the U.S. with President Biden and agreed that discrimination by race cannot be permitted in any societies.  We agreed on this regard. 
President Biden’s comment that discriminations and violences is cannot be allowed and that he firmly opposes was extremely encouraging for me, and I have renewed my confidence in American democracy once again. 

I told the President about my determination to realize the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer as a symbol of a global unity.  President Biden once again expressed his support for this determination. 

Japan is listening to and learning from WHO and experts, doing everything possible to contain infection and to realize safe and secure Games.  From scientific and objective perspectives, we will do our utmost in our preparation.
Freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law — as we firmly defend and uphold these universal values that Japan and the U.S. share, I look forward to the actual implementation of the outcomes of today’s significant meeting and to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific by further collaboration and deeper cooperation with Joe.
I once again express my heartfelt gratitude for the kind invitation.  Thank you. 

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Now we will each take a few questions, and I’ll begin by recognizing the Associated Press.  Aamer, you have the first question.  There you are. 
Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  And thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.  Mr. President, in your last press conference, you said successful Presidents prioritize and that you were focusing your agenda on one thing at a time. 
And I’d like to just ask you: What would you say to many Americans who voted for you about the legislative progress on gun control and police reform having to wait while you pursue infrastructure, given that we continue to see these incidents with mass shootings and also police-involved shootings, including the incident that a lot of us saw in Chicago most recently?  Do you feel any need to reprioritize your agenda?

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I’ve never not prioritized this.  No one has worked harder to deal with the violence used by individuals using weapons than I have.  I’m the only one ever to have passed an assault weapons ban.  I’m the only one that ever got a 10-year ban on assault weapons and clips of more than 10 bullets. 
Immediately upon us becoming in office, having an attorney general, I asked him to put together the things I could do by executive order, including dealing with new guns that can be made — you can buy in pieces and put together, and other — and other initiatives.
I strongly support — I strongly support the universal background checks, which I continue to push.  The Congress has to step up and act.  The Senate has to act.
And I strongly support and continue — I’ve never stopped supporting the ban on assault weapons and magazines that hold more than 10 — 10 bullets. 
It doesn’t mean that I can’t also be working at the same time on the economy and on COVID.  But it’s not a question of my being able to set the agenda in the Senate as to what they will move to first.  And so I continue and I strongly, strongly urge my Republican friends in the Congress who even refused to bring up the House-passed bill to bring it up now. 
This has to end.  It’s a national embarrassment.  It is a national embarrassment what’s going on.  And it’s not only these mass shootings that are occurring.  Every single day — every single day, there’s a mass shooting in this United — in the United States if you count all those who are killed out on the streets of our cities and our rural areas.  It’s a national embarrassment and must come to an end. 
And one last thing: The folks who own weapons, the folks who own guns, they support universal background checks.  The majority of them think we should not be selling assault weapons.  Who, in God’s name, needs a weapon that can hold 100 rounds or 40 rounds or 20 rounds?  It’s just wrong.  And I’m not going to give up until it’s done. 

You have a question you want to offer?  I mean, not a question — (laughs) — recognize someone, Mr. Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER SUGA:  (As interpreted.)  Mr. Sugimoto, with Sankei Newspaper.
Q    (As interpreted.)  Thank you very much.  My name is Sugimoto of Sankei Newspaper.  The summit — I believe that China policy was one of the central agenda items, so my question is on China policy.  Both governments consider that peace and stability of Taiwan is of great importance and that had been the agreement between the two countries. 
What kind of exchange of views were conducted on this matter at today’s meeting?  In order to deter contingency in the Straits, what can Japan do?  And what can Japan do, when actually, a contingency occurs in the Taiwan Straits?  Did the Prime Minister explain to President Biden what Japan can do under such circumstances?
And also, were there discussions on Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region human rights issue?  Grave concern is shared by the two countries, but Japan is the only G7 country that has not imposed sanctions on China.  Were you able to gain President Biden’s understanding towards such position?

PRIME MINISTER SUGA:  (As interpreted.)  As we engaged in an exchange of views over the regional situation, we also discussed the circumstances in Taiwan and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as well.
I refrain from mentioning details since it pertains to diplomatic exchanges, but there is already an agreed recognition over the importance of peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits between Japan and the United States, which was reaffirmed on this occasion. 
I also explained Japan’s position and initiatives regarding the situation in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to the President, who I think understood my points.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Next question is — goes to Trevor of Reuters.
Q    Thank you.  Mr. President, it’s been a while since we’ve heard an update from you on how the talks are going with Iran.  How are they going?  And do you regard their decision to enrich to 60 percent as a step backwards — as a sign that they aren’t serious about those negotiations?
And, for the Prime Minister, just a question on whether it’s irresponsible to move forward with the Olympics when you have public health experts telling you that Japan is not ready to do so.  Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Let me respond to the Iran question.  We do not support and do not think it’s at all helpful that Iran is saying it’s going to move to enrich to 60 percent.  It is contrary to the agreement.  We are, though, nonetheless pleased that Iran has continued to agree to engage in discussions — in direct discussions with us and with our — our partners on how we move forward and what is needed to allow us to move back into the JOPCA [JCPOA], and so that we are a part of it again — that we should have never gotten out of, in my view — without us making concessions that I’m — we’re just not willing to make. 
And so the discussions are underway.  I think it’s premature to make a judgement as to what the outcome will be, but we’re still talking.

PRIME MINISTER SUGA:  (As interpreted.)  If I may invite Shintomi-san of Kyodo News.
Q    (As interpreted.)  Yes, I have a question to Prime Minister Suga regarding the Tokyo Olympics and the Paralympics planned for this summer.  You have garnered support from President Biden.  Did the President mention about the concrete promise to send American athletes or any positive comments? 
If you can tell us about the exchanges and the conversations during the meeting about the COVID-19 vaccines or about climate change.  You have discussed these aspects about the schedule of providing the vaccines or, by 2030, the reduction target of the gases.  Any numerical targets or actions were discussed, please? 
PRIME MINISTER SUGA:  (As interpreted.)  As was mentioned at the beginning, I expressed my determination to realize the Tokyo Olympics and the Paralympic Games as a symbol of global unity this summer.  And President Biden, once again, expressed his support. 
Japan will continue careful and full preparation in order to realize the Tokyo games this summer, in order to ensure equitable access to vaccines for COVID-19.  We also affirmed that Japan and the U.S. will continue our cooperation.
Regarding the climate change, this is a matter that both President Biden and I emphasize.  So, during the talk today, we have confirmed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and collaboration in the area of climate change and have agreed to launch the Japan-U.S. Climate Partnership, which is extremely meaningful and significant.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, thank you all very much.  And thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.  I look forward to having you back.
Thank you again, everyone.
5:33 P.M. EDT      

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Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Suga of Japan Before Bilateral Meeting

APRIL 16, 2021 • SPEECHES AND REMARKS

3:09 P.M. EDT
 
PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, I’m honored to have Prime Minister Suga here.  Yoshi and I have had some private time together, both lunch and tea, and it’s great to have him with us.
As you know, this was the first foreign leader to visit me in my presidency.  And I’m really pleased to welcome such a close ally and good partner. 
The United States and Japan have a big agenda ahead of us.  And we are two important democracies in the Indo-Pacific region, and our cooperation is vital, in my view — and I think in both our views — to meeting the challenges facing our nation and ensuring the future of the region to remain free and open and prosperous. 
So I’m looking forward to speaking with the Prime Minister.  And our teams are — are tackling a shared agenda.  We — we are ready to — ready to get to work. 
So welcome, Mr. Prime Minister.  As we say in the body I used to work in, the United States Senate, “I yield the floor” to the Prime Minister.  It’s all yours, Yoshi.

PRIME MINISTER SUGA:  (As interpreted.)  Thank you very much.  Thank for you for accepting me as the first foreign leader under your presidency.  My deepest gratitude to you.
And yesterday, there was a shooting in Indianapolis, so I heard, and — causing much casualty.  I would like to express my condolences to the victims and my sympathies to the families.  Innocent citizens must not be exposed to any such violence.
Freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are the universal values that link our alliance that is prevalent in the Indo-Pacific, and this is the very foundation of prosperity and stability of the region and the globe.  And the importance of such values has heightened to unprecedented level. 
And upon my visit to the United States, I wish to reaffirm the new and tight bond between us.  And in order to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, there are many common challenges as well as emerging global issues, including COVID-19 and climate change.  I wish to spend time with you to again confirm the close ties between our two countries.
And thank you again for accepting us.
PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you being here.  Thank you for your sentiments. 
3:12 P.M. EDT

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Fact Sheet: U.S.-Japan Competitiveness and Resilience (CoRe) Partnership

APRIL 16, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

Read more about the U.S. Japan Climate Partnership here

The United States and Japan pledge to revitalize our Alliance and make practical commitments to fulfill its potential. Together we will advance innovation, end this pandemic and protect the world from future ones, combat the climate crisis, and enhance our people-to-people ties. Through these concrete initiatives, the United States and Japan will deliver results for our people, the Indo-Pacific, and the world. 

Competitiveness and Innovation

Throughout our individual and shared histories, the United States and Japan have been global leaders in innovation. Our new partnership for competitiveness and innovation carries on that tradition, focusing on scientific and technological advances. Together, we will lead a sustainable, green global economic growth, guided by the principles of openness and democracy. This includes our cooperation on research and technology development across diverse fields: Cancer Moonshot, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum information science and technology, civil space cooperation (including the Artemis program and asteroid exploration), and secure information and communications technology (ICT), among others. With this partnership between two of the world’s leading economies, we will lead the globe in building back better and promoting sustainable growth in the future.

Together, the United States and Japan will:

• Advance secure and open 5G networks, including Open Radio Access Networks (“Open-RAN”), by fostering innovation and by promoting trustworthy vendors and diverse markets.
• Strengthen competitiveness in the digital field by investing in research, development, testing, and deployment of secure networks and advanced ICT including 5G and next-generation mobile networks (“6G” or “Beyond 5G”). The United States has committed $2.5 billion to this effort, and Japan has committed $2 billion. 
• Build on successful U.S.-Japan cooperation in third-countries and launch a Global Digital Connectivity Partnership to promote secure connectivity and a vibrant digital economy while building the cybersecurity capacity of our partners to address shared threats. 
• Strengthen collaboration and information exchange between U.S. and Japanese ICT experts in global standards development.
• Cooperate on sensitive supply chains, including semi-conductors, and on the promotion and protection of critical technologies.
• Advance biotechnology for the global good by focusing on genome sequencing and the principles of openness, transparency, collaboration, and research integrity.
• Reinforce collaboration and partnerships between research institutions on quantum information science and technology through joint research and exchange of researchers.

COVID-19 Response, Global Health, and Health Security

The United States and Japan have built a partnership to help the Indo-Pacific region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including through the landmark Quad Vaccine Partnership [LINK] with Australia and India, taking shared action necessary to expand safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing, and working to strengthen and assist countries in the Indo-Pacific with vaccination. We will also expand our partnership beyond COVID-19, building longer-term global health security to help prevent the next pandemic.

Together, the United States and Japan will:

• Enhance our support to the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, including the COVAX facility, and encourage others to do the same thereby collectively filling the financial needs to ensure equitable access to safe, effective, and affordable vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics particularly in developing countries.
• Coordinate closely, through the Quad Vaccine Partnership, to facilitate production, procurement, and delivery of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific, including by expanding manufacturing capacity of COVID-19 vaccines in India.
• In a new partnership, coordinate health security financing, regional surge capacity, and triggers for rapid response.
• Establish regional pandemic response surge capacity, working with partners to promote manufacturing of personal protective equipment and medical countermeasures.
• Work together and with others toward World Health Organization reform, including through the creation of swift triggers to respond to future biological threats, an independent oversight mechanism, and accountability for pandemic response.
• Support a transparent and independent evaluation and analysis, free from interference and undue influence, of the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak, and for investigating outbreaks of unknown origin in the future.
• Support the Global Health Security Agenda, as steering group members, to improve global capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.
• Exchange data and practical knowledge, including simulation data on virus transmission from supercomputers such as Japan’s Fugaku and the United States’ Summit to develop innovative and more effective methods and techniques for infection prevention measures.
• Reinforce collaboration between research institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and cooperation for resilient medical supply chains to improve preparedness for future crises.

Climate Change, Clean Energy, and Green Growth and Recovery

The United States and Japan have launched a new partnership to address climate change and to promote green, sustainable global growth and recovery making full use of our technologies in the clean energy and other relevant sectors.

The two leaders are committed to taking decisive climate action by 2030, aligned both with efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius and with our 2050 greenhouse gas emissions net-zero goals. The United States and Japan will align official international financing with the global achievement of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050 and deep emission reductions in the 2020s, and will work to promote the flow of public and private capital toward climate-aligned investments and away from high-carbon investments.

Together, the United States and Japan will:

• Cooperate on Paris Agreement implementation, with a focus on achieving our respective 2030 targets/nationally determined contributions and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions net-zero goals.
• Collaborate and support innovation, development, and deployment of such clean-energy technologies as renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, grid modernization, energy storage (including batteries and long-duration storage technologies), smart grid, hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage/Carbon Recycling, industrial decarbonization and advanced nuclear power.
• Promote development and use of adaptive climate- and environment-friendly infrastructure related to grid optimization, demand response, smart grids, and renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Cooperate on other areas that contribute to climate change mitigation, clean energy and green growth and recovery, including ICT technology (such as smart cities, power saving ICT infrastructure, and digital solutions to infrastructure management), carbon neutral ports as well as sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
• Support developing countries, including those in the Indo-Pacific region, to rapidly deploy renewable energy, drive the decarbonization of our their economies, and accelerate diverse, ambitious, and realistic transition paths in the region, toward the realization of net-zero emissions globally no later than 2050, including through the newly established Japan-U.S. Clean Energy Partnership (“JUCEP”) and other country-level climate and clean energy collaborative activities. 

Expanding and Renewing Our Partnership

The United States and Japan will continue to add new dimensions to our partnership while cooperating in the fields of long-standing areas.

The United States and Japan will strengthen our people-to-people ties. The next generation of leaders who will continue to strengthen the bonds between the United States and Japan are participating in our extensive international exchange programs, working together on joint projects and research. In this spirit, we are proud to announce the resumption of the Mansfield Fellowship program. Together, we will redouble our energies to build the next generation of American experts on Japan through a renewed two-year fellowship program. We are also expanding opportunities for American students that are historically underrepresented in education abroad – including, but not limited to, first-generation college students, students in STEM(Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, ethnic minority students, students with disabilities, students attending minority-serving institutions, and community college students – by offering an additional 20 Gilman Scholarships for study abroad in Japan. Finally, like the United States, Japan recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle countries of Central America, and is committed to addressing those issues together.