Biden's exit from race throws U.S.-Japan alliance into uncertainty

Months of lame-duck presidency could amplify China, Russia risks

U.S. President Joe Biden, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House in Washington on April 10. © Reuters

RIEKO MIKI, Nikkei staff writer

July 23, 2024 00:47 JST

TOKYO -- Concern is growing within the Japanese government that U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid could undermine the Japan-U.S. alliance over the next three months while emboldening China and Russia.

Biden announced Sunday his withdrawal from the U.S. presidential election. While his diplomatic calendar remains full until his successor is elected in November, Biden's decision is seen turning him into a lame duck for the rest of his term, including in foreign policy.