Obama arrives in Tokyo in first leg of Asia tour
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E-mail CNTV, April 24, 2014
US president Barack Obama has arrived in Tokyo, the start of a four-leg Asian tour. While in the Japanese capital, he is scheduled to meet with the country's Prime Minister to discuss a number of issues. He is also expected to reaffirm the US's intention to "pivot" its focus toward the Asia-Pacific.
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US President Barack Obama waves as he gets off Air Force One upon his arrival at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on April 23, 2014. |
US president Barack Obama kicks of his four nation Asian tour in Japan. First trip to Tokyo in three and a half years, and first as a state guest. Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo started their first dialogue over un-official dinner. In a display of friendly atmosphere, yet a lot of difficult issues lie on their plate.
One of the significance of this visit is that Tokyo government wanted to invite president Obama as a state guest. Eyeing to appeal the strength of US Japan alliance. Analyst say there is a sense of distrust in Washington on which the direction the Abe administration may be heading, After Prime minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the controversial war shrine last year.
"Washington is concerned that Abe is a bit too reckless about history, and certainly it does not want Abe going off on his own, saber rattling. The last thing Washington want is to have its treaty commitment tested. It wants to figure out a way to work around the various disputes." Jeff Kingston, director of Temple University's Asian Studies, said.
US and Japanese leaders will engage in number of discussions, on Thursday. Japan's tensions with the neighboring countries are expected to be one of the key issues. Obama attempted to mediate talks between it's key allies in the region earlier, but the Shinzo Abe and Park Guen-Hye did not quite see eye to eye. Experts say US impatience grows as Tokyo and Seoul are important strategic partners for regional security and dealing with the DPRK missile and nuclear developments.
The slow progress in the Transpacific Partnership negotiation has also irritated both governments. Although analysts do not see an immediate agreements, it is expected that the two leaders would announce a step forward. As a part of expanding its defense capabilities Tokyo is seeking more commitments from its Washington, but US seems a bit caucious.
"Abe wanting more out of Obama, Obama wants the delicate balancing ack walking the tight rope, saying enough to reassure the allies, alliance in rock solid, not too much to antagonize Beijing." Kingston said.
President Obama and Prime Minister Abe is expected to hold a joint conference around noon on Thursday.
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