Obama and Noda Meet in Washington—PICTURES

By National Journal Staff

Updated: April 30, 2012 | 7:01 p.m.
April 30, 2012 | 6:12 p.m.

President Obama met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Washington on Monday to discuss a series of bilateral issues, including the Asia-Pacific, trade, and the economy, as well as Japan's decision to cut back on importing Iranian oil. Here's a look at what they said in their joint news conference:

In his opening remarks, Noda said that the joint vision statement the countries released demonstrates the strength of the ties between Japan and the U.S. "I have always held the conviction that our bilateral alliance is the linchpin of Japan’s diplomacy," he said. (Chet Susslin)

Asked about the rise of China, Obama said China has succeeded in lifting its citizens out of poverty. "I think that I’ve said in the past and firmly believe that we welcome a peacefully-rising China," he said. (Chet Susslin)

Noda addressed North Korea and its recent missile launch, saying, "I believe the international community as a whole, together, will need to call for restraint" on the part of North Korea. (Chet Susslin)

Obama did not address reports that a Chinese dissident was in U.S. custody in Beijing. Instead he focused on China's record on human rights. "We ... believe that that relationship will be that much stronger and China will be that much more prosperous and strong as you see improvements on human rights issues in that country," Obama said. (Chet Susslin)

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