First Lady Jill Biden will lead the U.S. diplomatic delegation to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, sending a message of support to a key Asian ally despite concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
But U.S. President Joe Biden sees the pandemic-postponed Games as a critical moment to show support for a longtime ally and trading partner, who he hopes will support U.S. efforts to check China's rise, aides said.
Biden will arrive in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon before having dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his wife Mariko Suga at Akasaka Palace, according to her spokesman.Suga is meeting with only about 15 world leaders on the sidelines of the Olympics, compared with up to 120 previously, a spokesperson said. President Biden hosted Suga at the White House in April.
She plans to attend the opening ceremony on Friday, as well as meet with Team USA athletes, U.S. foreign service officers and Japanese Emperor Naruhito.Sign up for our newsletter Subscribe for our daily curated newsletter to receive the latest exclusive Reuters coverage delivered to your inbox.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Michelle Buteau and Jill Scott Talk 'First Wives Club' Season 2The stars share the trials and tribulations of working on season 2 during COVID and their favorite parts of being back on set.
Read more »
Tokyo Olympics hit by trifecta of discouraging news amid Covid fearsThe already troubled Tokyo Games could be overshadowed by the pandemic and other discouraging headlines.
Read more »
Tokyo Olympics underway despite threat of Covid-19After a delay of more than a year due to the pandemic, the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics are finally underway.
Read more »
Toyota Scraps Plans for Olympics Ads in Japan During GamesThe Japanese auto maker cited local concerns about the pandemic for its decision. Games broadcaster NBCUniversal said Toyota’s plans for the U.S. are unchanged.
Read more »
How to Watch the U.S. Women's Soccer Team at the 2020 Tokyo OlympicsThey'll begin with the 'group of death,' so let's start there.
Read more »