Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made history on Thursday by becoming only the second Japanese leader to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. In his speech, delivered in English, Kishida expressed concerns about a possible American withdrawal from its position as the global defender of democracy. He pledged to stand side-by-side with the United States and emphasized the importance of the U.S. in shaping the global order that allowed Japan and other nations to rebuild after World War II while promoting freedom.
Kishida, who spent his first three years of elementary school in Queens, New York, praised the U.S. for its role in championing democracy and freedom. However, he also highlighted the risks posed by Chinese military actions, labeling them as the “greatest strategic challenge” not only for Japan’s peace and security but also for global peace and stability.
The Prime Minister’s speech resonated with a divided Congress, uniting members on the issue of countering Chinese aggression. Kishida’s address underscored the importance of international cooperation, particularly in the face of growing threats and challenges to global security. By standing with the United States and other democratic nations, he emphasized the need for a united front against common adversaries in order to uphold democracy and preserve peace.
In his speech, Kishida acknowledged that China’s rise has brought new challenges for Japan’s national security interests, including territorial disputes in the East China Sea and tensions over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
He also acknowledged that Japan needs closer ties with other countries to protect its interests in Asia region.
Kishida’s visit was seen as an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and United States.
Overall, Kishida’s speech was a call for greater cooperation between democracies around
