In the first quarter of 2021, Japanese coverages turned from assessing 2020 to anticipating Biden’s impact to taking satisfaction in Biden’s initial moves toward Japan and China. With diplomatic travel on hold, for the most part, its resumption in March and early April showcased Japan-US relations. A virtual Quad summit, followed by the 2+2 US-Japan meeting in Tokyo, the Alaska meeting of US and Chinese officials, and the Suga summit with Biden—who was hosting his first foreign leader—offered a heady array of occasions to reassure Japan and boost Suga’s diplomatic image.

Read full article at www.theasanforum.org.