From cherry trees to collective deterrence, the United States and Japan celebrated their decadeslong alliance Wednesday, as President Joe Biden hosted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House for an official visit and state dinner.

The leaders announced new initiatives on technology and defense, including an upgrade of allied command-and-control arrangements for American and Japanese forces, new investments and partnerships on space, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors and clean energy.

But the strongest focus was on military deterrence to enhance maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, as well as air defense.

"For the first time, Japan and the United States and Australia will create a network system of air missile and defense architecture,” Biden said.