Taiwan in US-Japan statement: show of resolve or diplomatic calculus?

Biden wanted to take a stand but Suga sought to avoid provoking Beijing

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Biden wanted to make a strong statement against China's provocation but Suga sought for more moderate language in their joint document. © AP

SHUNSUKE SHIGETA and RIEKO MIKI, Nikkei staff writers

WASHINGTON/TOKYO -- The highly anticipated mention of Taiwan in a joint statement by U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has left much to interpretation.

"We underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues," the statement reads. The document was issued after the leaders met for the first time face-to-face on Friday.

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