For Miya Tanaka's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
While differences among "the Quad" members over Russia are likely to persist, Biden is also facing headwinds over his plans for economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
At the outset of talks in the U.S., Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Russia's war is "a serious challenge" and raised concern over any use of force in the Indo-Pacific.
The meeting between Kishida and Biden is being arranged for May 23, with the Quad summit the following day, as Biden makes his first visit to Japan since becoming president.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's whirlwind trip to Brussels to meet U.S. and European leaders was the latest sign that Tokyo is committed to working with allies and partners.
U.S. government official indicated that the Biden administration could continue its sustained engagement in the Indo-Pacific region while handling "immense pressures" elsewhere.
"We reaffirm our commitment to Nidoto Nai Yoni, which translates to 'Let It Not Happen Again,'" the U.S. leader said in a statement.
While the current surge of the omicron variant could slow growth momentum in the first quarter of 2022, a "strong rebound" is expected in the second quarter as the wave dissipates.
The odds are not necessarily in favor of Washington in the absence of a robust strategy for regional trade, an area where Beijing seems increasingly eager to fill the void.
Diplomatic sources have previously indicated that Tokyo has explored the idea of hosting the second in-person Quad summit, hoping to convene it as early as next spring.
Experts said it may have been difficult to achieve "much of substance" in Kishida's diplomatic debut, given he had only hours in Glasgow in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's election.
