"We affirmed our ironclad support for the U.S.-Japanese alliance and for our shared security," Biden said. "We committed to working together to take on challenges from China, the East China Sea--South China Sea, North Korea and to ensure a future of a free and open Indo-Pacific." Before the press conference, the two met in the White House State Dining Room Friday, where Biden said the two nations have a "big agenda." The White House has warned that Beijing is "the only competitor" potentially capable of mounting a "challenge" to the international system. In warning of China’s growing assertiveness, the White House underscored the importance of "democratic alliances," like Japan.

Source: Fox News April 16, 2021 21:56 UTC