Japanese prime minister addresses Congress
WASHINGTON — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed U.S. lawmakers at the Capitol on Thursday, urging them to consider the importance of global commitments at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific region and deep skepticism in Congress about U.S. involvement abroad.
Kishida is in Washington this week, visiting President Joe Biden as the White House completes hosting each leader of the Quad — an informal partnership involving the United States, Japan, Australia and India that is seen as important to countering China’s growing military strength in the region. Kishida highlighted the value of the U.S. commitment to global security and offered reassurances that Japan is a strong partner.
On Capitol Hill, his audience included many Republicans who have pushed for the U.S. to take a less active role in global affairs as they follow the “America First” ethos of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. The Republicancontrolled House has sat for months on a $95 billion package that would send wartime funding to Ukraine and Israel, as well as aid to allies in the Indo-Pacific region such as Taiwan and humanitarian help to civilians in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine.
“As we meet here today, I detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be,” Kishida told Congress.
He sought to remind lawmakers of the leading role the U.S. has played globally since World War II. After dropping two nuclear weapons on Japan to end the war, the U.S. helped rebuild Japan, and the nations transformed from bitter enemies to close allies.
“When necessary, it made noble sacrifices to fulfill its commitment to a better world,” Kishida said of the U.S.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said this week that he hoped Kishida’s visit would underscore “that we’re in a worldwide situation here against the enemies of democracy — led by China, Russia and Iran.”
Japan has taken a strong role in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Moscow and in helping humanitarian aid get to Gaza. It is also seen as a key U.S. partner in a fraught region where China is asserting its strength and North Korea is developing a nuclear program.
“Japan is a close ally — critical to both our national and economic security,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York in a statement. “This visit will continue to deepen the diplomatic and security relationship between our two countries and build on the strength of decades of cooperation.”
Kishida offered reassurances that Japan is committed to global security and human rights. He said that since recovering from the “devastation of World War II,” Japan has transformed from a reticent ally to a strong partner.
The prime minister called China’s stance “unprecedented” and “the greatest strategic challenge, not only to the peace and security of Japan but to the peace and stability of the international community at large.”
Kishida was also attending a U.S.-Japan-Philippines summit Thursday in another effort to bolster regional cooperation in the face of China’s aggression.
Also Thursday, the United Kingdom announced that it would hold joint military exercises with Japan and the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region next year.
Meanwhile, Kishida cast the future of the conflict in Ukraine as having far-reaching consequences. He emphasized that Japan has committed to providing Kyiv with $12 billion in wartime aid, including anti-drone detection systems.
“Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow,” Kishida told lawmakers. He added that “Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine.”
Kishida is the sixth foreign leader to address Congress during Biden’s presidency.