Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida today addressed the The US Congress, in which he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnership ties between the two countries at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific region and skepticism among American lawmakers about the country's commitment to world affairs, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Kishida is visiting President Joe Biden this week, with the White House ending a series of visits by each leader of the "Quarter" (Quad) – an informal partnership between the US, Japan, Australia and India. This alliance is important to counter China's growing military power in the region, AP notes.
The Japanese prime minister emphasized the importance of US commitments to global security and assured US allies that Tokyo is a strong partner.
Kishida's audience on Capitol Hill included many Republicans who are pushing for the US to take less of an active role in world affairs, following an "America First" of Donald Trump.
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has been debating for months on a $95 billion package that includes military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific allies such as Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and Ukraine.< /p>
Kishida reminded the congressmen of the leading role the United States has played globally since World War II. "When necessary, the US has made noble sacrifices to fulfill its commitment to a better world," said the Japanese leader.
He warned that the world is once again at a turning point when "freedom and democracy are threatened on a global scale". "As we meet here today, I sense among some Americans an inner doubt about what your role in the world should be,", Kishida added.
This is the first address by a Japanese prime minister to Congress since 2015, when Shinzo Abe addressed US lawmakers.
Earlier in the day, Kishida participated in a summit between the US, Japan and the Philippines, which was aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the face of threats from China.