Biden to host Japan's Kishida for talks on N. Korea on Jan 13

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden will receive Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for talks next week, the White House said on Tuesday.

North Korea's weapons programme, the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as the issue of "maintaining peace and stability across the Tawain Strait" will be top of the agenda during the meeting on Jan 13, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Biden was also planning to "reiterate his full support for Japan's recently released National Security Strategy", Jean-Pierre added.

Japan recently announced a massive expansion of its defence capabilities in light of China's bid for power in the region and the threat from North Korea.

Pyongyang has recently conducted a string of missile tests, heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Observers fear Pyongyang's first nuclear test in years may be imminent.

-- BERNAMA