Japanese Prime Minister Addresses U.S. Congress: The Urgent Need for Cooperation in a Divided World

On Thursday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered a historic speech to the U.S. Congress, becoming only the second Japanese leader to do so. In his address, delivered in English, Kishida expressed his concern about the possibility of the United States withdrawing from its role as the global defender of democracy. He emphasized Japan’s commitment to working alongside the U.S. and maintaining strong ties.

Kishida, who spent his early years in Queens, New York, praised the U.S. for its role in establishing the global order that allowed Japan and other nations to recover after World War II. He highlighted the values of freedom and democracy that have been championed by the United States throughout history.

However, Kishida also raised concerns about Chinese military activities, labeling them as the greatest strategic challenge not only to Japan’s peace and security but to global peace and stability as well. This warning came as a united issue in a divided Congress, underscoring the need for international cooperation and vigilance in the face of growing threats.

Overall, Kishida’s address to Congress highlighted the importance of continued partnership between Japan and the U.S. in promoting democratic values, ensuring peace and stability, and addressing shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.