Japanese Prime Minister Urges US to Lead the World Amid Threats to Democracy and Economic Order

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed Congress in a speech that emphasized the importance of the United States maintaining its leadership role in the world amidst threats to democracy and the economic order. Kishida stated that the world is currently at a critical juncture that will shape future history, and urged the U.S. to continue playing a pivotal role in global affairs.

During his visit with President Joe Biden, Kishida unveiled plans for enhanced military cooperation and discussed strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance in response to China and Russia’s actions. He also expressed his desire to participate in a trilateral summit with Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department.

Following his address to Congress, Kishida will take part in the first U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit at the White House alongside President Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This makes him only the second Japanese leader to address U.S. lawmakers, following former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who spoke to a joint meeting of Congress in 2015