Biden meets Japanese deputy PM

Biden meets Japanese deputy PM

US Vice President Joe Biden renewed Friday the US vow to staunchly defend Japan after days of threats and rhetoric from North Korea, as he met Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso at the White House.

US Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on April 16, 2013. Biden renewed Friday the US vow to staunchly defend Japan after days of threats and rhetoric from North Korea, as he met Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso at the White House.

The two men held talks at the White House and also discussed the nascent talks on a region wide Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, Biden's office said.

"The vice president and deputy prime minister agreed that North Korea must end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and comply with its international obligations," a statement said.

"They discussed ways to further deepen our security cooperation. In this context, the vice president reaffirmed that the United States remains steadfast in its defense commitments to Japan, including the extended deterrence offered by the US nuclear umbrella."

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