Biden’s decision to host Suga for his first face-to-face meeting highlights his administration’s focus on strengthening ties with allies in Asia as the U.S. works to counter an increasingly assertive China.

‘Neither country is seeking to raise tension or provoke China, but at the same time we’re trying to send a clear signal,’ a senior official said. ‘We also recognize the deep economic and commercial ties between Japan and China, and Prime Minister Suga wants to walk a careful course, and we respect that.’

However, he added, both sides will try to send a clear signal about some steps Beijing is taking.

On the other hand, the senior official commented that Biden will avail himself of the opportunity to talk about the new US strategy towards the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

In addition, he said, Biden would prioritize discussing Japan´s strained relationship with South Korea.

After the meeting, he said, Suga will announce his commitment to work on 5G technology with the United States and will disclose specific measures on climate change that will place his country in a leadership position in the 2030 global goals.

ef/pll/oda/dsa