Japanese PM to be Obama's first foreign guest in 2nd term

US President Barack Obama would host the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today in his Oval office - his first with a foreign dignitary in his second term - for bilateral and regional discussions with North Korean nuclear tests and South China sea dominating the proceedings.
"This meeting is a further symbol of the President's commitment to the US-Japan alliance as a cornerstone of US economic and security policy and that of US-Asia policy.
And the two leaders will have the chance tomorrow to meet, to speak to the press and to share a meal together as well," Ben Rhodes, the Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications, told reporters in a conference call on the eve of the meeting between the two leaders yesterday.

The meeting underscores the importance of the US-Japan alliance as the foundation of US strategy in Asia, both in terms of the security posture and economic relationships in that dynamic and growing region of the world, he said.
Danny Russel, Senior Director for Asia, National Security Council said he anticipates that Obama and Abe will compare views on the bilateral relationship, including plans to further develop the strong security alliance.
"Obviously, out of necessity, they will talk about North Korea, the recent events and the overall situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
"I expect them to discuss maritime security issues, territorial claims both in the East China Sea and the South China Sea as well as other Asia-Pacific regional issues such as continued coordination in global fora like the East Asia Summit and so on," Russel said.

Global hot spots like Iran, Afghanistan and North Africa would also come up in their discussion, he said.