A joint statement between the United States and Japan released today highlighted cooperation between the two countries, saying that “cooperation today is unprecedented, rooted in our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and a peaceful and prosperous world, guided by our shared values including the rule of law. At the same time, the Indo-Pacific faces growing challenges, from actions inconsistent with the rules-based international order by China to provocations by North Korea.”

In the statement, President Joe Biden “reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan under Article V of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security,” adding that the United States would use “its full range of capabilities, including nuclear.” The statement specifically addressed the defense of the Senkaku Islands, which is claimed by both China and Japan. The statement went on to add that “The leaders also instructed their ministers to reinforce cooperation on the development and effective employment of Japan’s counterstrike and other capabilities. We have deepened cooperation on critical and emerging technologies that are crucial for national security.”

While addressing Ukraine and Russia, the statement said that both countries are “??together in firm opposition to Russia’s unjust and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, and we will continue to impose sanctions on Russia, and provide unwavering support for Ukraine.” Likewise, it added that “any use of a nuclear weapon by Russia in Ukraine would be an act of hostility against humanity and unjustifiable in any way.”

The statement ended by highlighting economic cooperation between Japan and the United States, in which continued cooperation in economic security and supply chains were stressed.