2013 / Biden to meet Abe in Tokyo, Dec. 3
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2013
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN TRAVELS TO JAPAN, CHINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
The Vice President has departed for Tokyo, the first stop on a six-day trip to Japan, China and the Republic of Korea. In each country, the Vice President will meet with key leaders to discuss a full range of bilateral, regional and global issues. The trip will reaffirm our enduring presence as a Pacific power, promote our economic and trade interests, and underscore our commitment to rebalancing U.S. foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific.
In Tokyo, the Vice President will reaffirm the enduring strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region. The Vice President will meet with Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, and members of the Diet to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues with our close ally, including progress towards a Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and opportunities to deepen our economic and security partnerships. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Cathy Russell will also join the Vice President in Tokyo to meet with women at a local technology company for a discussion about their role in the Japanese economy and challenges they face in the workplace.
In Beijing, the Vice President will meet with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, and Vice President Li Yuanchao to advance the high-level engagement that is the hallmark of the U.S.-China relationship. In his meetings, the Vice President will engage in a wide-ranging dialogue on bilateral, regional and global issues, our shared interests and cooperation, including energy and climate, as well as areas of concern, including regional tensions.
In Seoul, the Vice President will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Alliance, which serves as a linchpin of regional security, and will reaffirm our continuing commitment to a comprehensive partnership based on shared values and mutual interests. The Vice President will meet with President Park Geun-Hye and Prime Minister Chung Hongwon to address a broad range of challenges – including our close cooperation to address security threats – and deliver a speech at Yonsei University on U.S.-Korea relations and our active engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. The Vice President will also meet with U.S. military and civilian personnel serving in Korea, visit the demilitarized zone, and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea to honor military members who died in service to their country.
Please note all times are approximate and are subject to change.
Monday, December 2nd – Tokyo, Japan
The Vice President’s arrival in Tokyo at Haneda International Airport at 11:00 PM LOCAL TIME/9:00 AM ET is open press.
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Tuesday, December 3rd – Tokyo, Japan
In the morning, the Vice President will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and members of the Diet at the Ambassador’s Residence. There will be a pool spray at the top of this event.
In the afternoon, the Vice President will meet with U.S. Embassy staff and families in Tokyo. This event is closed press.
Later in the afternoon, the Vice President will be joined by Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Cathy Russell to visit an internet company focused on social network development, e-commerce and other web services. The Vice President will tour their facilities and meet with women working there to discuss their role in the Japanese economy and the challenges they face in the workplace, before holding a roundtable discussion. The Vice President’s tour is pooled press. The remarks at the bottom of the roundtable are open press.
Afterwards, the Vice President will meet with Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako at the Togu Palace. There will be a restricted pool spray at the top of this meeting.
Later, the Vice President will travel to the Prime Minister’s Residence. The Vice President’s arrival at the Prime Minister’s Residence will be pooled press.
Afterwards, the Vice President will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. There will be a pool spray at the top of this meeting. A restricted bilateral meeting will follow between the Vice President and Prime Minister Abe. This meeting is closed press.
Following their meetings, Prime Minister Abe and the Vice President will deliver statements to the press. These statements will be open press.
In the evening, the Vice President will attend a working dinner with Prime Minister Abe. This dinner is closed press.
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Wednesday, December 4th – Tokyo, Japan and Beijing, China
In the morning, the Vice President will depart Tokyo, Japan, en route Beijing, China. The Vice President’s arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport is open press.
Afterwards, the Vice President will meet with U.S. Embassy staff and families in Beijing. This event is closed press.
In the afternoon, the Vice President will attend an official welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. This ceremony is open press.
Afterwards, the Vice President will meet with Vice President Li Yuanchao. There will be a pool spray at the top of this meeting.
Later, the Vice President and President Xi Jinping will hold a restricted bilateral meeting. This meeting is closed press. Afterwards, the Vice President and President Xi will hold an expanded bilateral meeting. There will be a pool spray at the top of this meeting.
In the evening, the Vice President will attend a dinner hosted by President Xi. This dinner is closed press.
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Thursday, December 5th – Beijing, China and Seoul, Republic of Korea
In the morning, the Vice President will meet with Premier Li Keqiang at the Zhongnanhai Leadership Compound. There will be a pool spray at the top of this meeting.
Afterwards, the Vice President will attend a banquet lunch hosted by Vice President Li Yuanchao at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
Later in the afternoon, the Vice President will depart Bejing, China, en route Seoul, Republic of Korea. The Vice President’s arrival at Osan Air Base will be open press.
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Friday, December 6th – Seoul, Republic of Korea
In the morning, the Vice President will meet with President Park Geun-Hye at the President’s Residence. There will be a pool spray at the top of this meeting.
Afterwards, the Vice President will attend a working lunch with President Park. This lunch is closed press.
In the afternoon, the Vice President will deliver remarks on the U.S.- Korea partnership and U.S. policy in the Asia-Pacific at Yonsei University. These remarks are open press.
Afterwards, the Vice President will meet with Prime Minister Chung Hongwon at the Prime Minister’s Office. There will be a pool spray at the top of this meeting.
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Saturday, December 7th – Seoul, Republic of Korea and Washington, DC
In the morning, the Vice President will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea to honor U.S. military members who died in service to their country. This ceremony is pooled press.
Afterwards, the Vice President will meet with U.S. Embassy staff and members of U.S. Forces Korea and their families in Seoul. This event is closed press.
In the afternoon, the Vice President will visit the demilitarized zone. The Vice President’s visit will be pooled press.
In the evening, the Vice President will depart Seoul, Republic of Korea, en route Washington, DC.
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