Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is reportedly finalizing plans for a significant visit to the United States in late September, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. According to a report by Yomiuri newspaper, Kishida is expected to arrive in the US around September 22, with a potential meeting scheduled with President Joe Biden. This visit will likely be a pivotal moment as Kishida concludes his tenure as Japan’s leader.
Kishida's decision to withdraw from the leadership race for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has set the stage for his imminent departure as prime minister. His term as party leader is set to end in late September and the LDP is expected to select his successor around September 20. This timing means Kishida may address the UN General Assembly after the election of his replacement by Japan's parliament, where the LDP maintains a majority.
The visit to the US holds particular significance as it coincides with the end of Kishida’s term. During his visit, Kishida may seek to reinforce Japan's diplomatic relations and address key global issues with President Biden. This meeting could also serve as an opportunity for Kishida to discuss bilateral relations and strategic issues before his tenure concludes.
In the backdrop of Kishida’s visit, there are internal discussions within the Japanese government about the implications of his successor establishing close ties with Biden. These concerns reflect ongoing debates about Japan's future foreign policy direction and its alignment with US interests.
As Biden will not be seeking re-election in November, having been succeeded as the Democratic nominee by Vice President Kamala Harris, Kishida’s visit may also serve as a strategic moment to engage with the outgoing administration. Harris is set to face off against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, adding another layer of significance to Kishida’s diplomatic engagements.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry and Kishida’s office have yet to provide official comments on the visit or the potential meeting with Biden. The timing and content of Kishida's visit will be closely watched as it comes at a crucial point in both Japanese and American politics, potentially influencing future diplomatic and strategic alignments.
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