President Biden today hosted Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, at the White House for a pomp-filled state visit. The two leaders announced plans for greater coordination and integration between their militaries, which Biden described as “the most significant upgrade of our alliance since it was first established.”

Later tonight, the Bidens are holding an official state dinner in honor of Kishida — something reserved for America’s closest allies — featuring a performance by Paul Simon.

The tightening of the U.S.-Japan relationship is an important part of the Biden administration’s efforts to counter China’s aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Aides said one of Biden’s goals is to create as much permanence in U.S. relationships in the region before a potential Donald Trump presidency could shake things up. Tomorrow, Biden and Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines.

Biden and Kishida today outlined the formation of a joint defense council that could support more exports of equipment produced in Japan, new cooperation on ventures in space and collaboration between research institutions. Biden announced that NASA’s Artemis program would take a Japanese astronaut to the moon, which would be a first for a non-American.

During the visit, Kishida made a point of reaffirming Japan’s “strong support for Ukraine” in its war against Russia, a key priority for Biden.