"US-Japan Relations in Focus at White House State Dinner"

President Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Kishida to the White House for a state visit, emphasizing the strong economic ties between the two countries. However, Biden's opposition to Japan's Nippon Steel's purchase of U.S. Steel for $15 billion, citing the importance of keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned, has raised questions about the economic relationship. The steel deal was not on the agenda for the meeting, and the visit focused on strengthening ties, with over 70 agreements covering security, military cooperation, and countering China.