Japanese Prime Minister discusses concerns about the US’s global role

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the importance of the alliance between the United States and Japan and urged lawmakers not to retreat from their role on the world stage during what he called an “inflection point” in history during a joint address to Congress on Thursday.

“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. “This self-doubt is arising at a time when our world is at history’s turning point.”

Kishida, elected in 2021, is the first Japanese prime minister to address Congress since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe traveled to Washington in 2015. His speech to a joint meeting of Congress comes as Kishida is set to participate in an inaugural U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit at the White House with President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Japan is viewed as a critical U.S. ally in a volatile part of the world where China has been viewed as increasingly more aggressive and North Korea has been developing a nuclear program. The U.S. and Japan have been working to strengthen their militaries to deter China’s threat in the South and East China Sea and to prevent any action to seize Taiwan. Kishida also addressed Russia’s growing threat after the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“As I often say, Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow. Furthermore, Russia continues to threaten the use of nuclear weapons, which has contributed to worldwide concern that yet another catastrophe by nuclear weapon use is a real possibility,” Kishida said. “In this reality, close coordination between Japan and the U.S. is required more than ever to ensure that the deterrence our alliance provides remains credible and resilient.”

Kishida’s speech appeared to be directed at many of the Republicans in the chamber who have advocated the U.S. to adopt policies in line with former President Donald Trump’s “America First” ideology, pushing for the U.S. to take a less active role on the world stage.

The Senate passed a $95 billion bill in February that would send funding to Ukraine and Israel, as well as to allies in the Indo-Pacific such as Taiwan, and humanitarian help to civilians in Gaza and Ukraine. However, the legislation has been held up in the House due to Republican skepticism over the conflict in Ukraine, plus a demand for border security measures.

Japan has helped support Ukraine’s defense against Moscow with $12 billion in aid to the country, including anti-drone detection systems. The country has also aided in supplying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“I want to address those Americans who feel the loneliness and exhaustion of being the country that has upheld the international order almost single-handedly. I understand it is a heavy burden to carry such hopes on your shoulders. Although the world looks to your leadership, the U.S. should not be expected to do it all, unaided and on your own,” Kishida said as lawmakers applauded and gave him a standing ovation.

Kishida was just 6 years old in 1963 when he and his family moved from Tokyo to New York, and he attended public school in Queens for three years. He reflected on those years, saying they left a lasting impression.

“After 60 years, I have a message for the good people of Queens. Thank you for making my family and me feel so welcome. I have never forgotten it,” he said.

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After Kishida met with Biden at the White House on Wednesday, the two leaders announced plans to improve the military command structure in Japan and the formation of a military-industrial council to examine weapons that can be jointly produced. They also announced their push to upgrade defense communications networks between the U.S., Australia, and Japan to counter threats from adversaries.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as the United States’s closest friend, tomodachi, the people of Japan are with you, side by side, to assure the survival of liberty. Not just for our people but for all people,” Kishida said.