TOKYO: The Japanese government will continue to monitor the U.S. presidential race after incumbent President Joe Biden on Sunday announced his decision to pull out of the race, Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio said Monday.

“The Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of our country’s diplomatic and security policies,” Kishida told reporters. “We will keep a close eye on future developments.”

“We will prepare to respond to any development,” a senior Foreign Ministry official said, taking Biden’s exit calmly.

Whoever becomes the next U.S. president, the Japanese government plans to continue urging the United States to remain involved in the Indo-Pacific region, with China in mind.

Kishida has developed his relationship with Biden, including through his state visit to the United States in April. While a government source said Biden’s exit was “within expectations,” a former cabinet minister expressed concern about Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House.

Since taking office, Biden has increased his country’s involvement in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China. He has also emphasized cooperation with allies in dealing with North Korea, inviting Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to the Camp David presidential retreat near Washington for a trilateral summit in August last year.

Another senior Foreign Ministry official said that Biden has a strong interest in the Indo-Pacific region, and a senior Japanese government official said his withdrawal could affect U.S. foreign policy.

There are also concerns that the Biden administration could become a lame duck before the next president takes office in January. “The Japanese and U.S. governments will continue to communicate well and cooperate closely,” Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa said at a press conference Monday.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was endorsed by Biden for the Democratic nomination, is “likely to continue the president’s policies,” a source close to Kishida said. But a different government source said her leadership skills “remain to be seen.”

JIJI Press