Japanese Prime Minister: "Threat to Global Democracy... Maintaining International Order with the US"

"The world is looking at the United States and its leadership. However, we must not expect the United States to do everything alone without any help." On the 11th (local time), Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, delivering a speech to the U.S. Congress, emphasized America's role in maintaining international peace and stated that Japan would actively support this effort.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

In his speech to the joint session of the U.S. House and Senate, Prime Minister Kishida said, "The international order that the United States has worked to build over many generations is now facing new challenges from those whose values and principles are very different from ours."

First, Prime Minister Kishida mentioned that "freedom and democracy around the world are currently under threat," citing China's military rise, North Korea's nuclear missile threats, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He stated, "China's current foreign stance and military actions pose the greatest and unprecedented strategic challenge not only to Japan's peace and security but also to the peace and stability of the international community," adding "As such challenges from China continue, sustaining a rules-based, peaceful, and open international order and peace will remain a major agenda for us going forward."

He also said, "North Korea's nuclear and missile programs are a direct threat, and the issue of abductees is a very important matter," criticizing, "North Korea's provocations affect not only the Indo-Pacific region but beyond. North Korea exported ballistic missiles to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, causing greater suffering for the Ukrainian people." He continued, "Ukraine could become the tomorrow of East Asia," and added, "Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine."

Prime Minister Kishida emphasized, "American leadership is indispensable," highlighting the decades of efforts by the United States to maintain global peace and stability. As an example, he rhetorically asked how long Ukraine could hold out against Russia's invasion without U.S. support.

However, he also acknowledged the sense of skepticism felt by Americans in this process. Prime Minister Kishida mentioned "the loneliness and fatigue of the United States, which has almost single-handedly upheld the international order," and the "heavy burden," adding, "we must not expect the United States to do everything alone without any help." He emphasized, "As the closest friend of the United States, the Japanese people will stand with America to guarantee freedom not only for ourselves but for everyone," and stressed, "The United States is not alone. We are together."

Prime Minister Kishida also highlighted that Japan is now a "global partner," not just a regional partner of the United States. He promised, "We pledge our unchanging alliance and enduring friendship with the United States," and said, "We will be America's global partner today and for many years to come."

Furthermore, he stated that Japan is working with like-minded countries such as the United States, South Korea, Australia, India, the Philippines, the Group of Seven (G7), and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, and he requested bipartisan support from Congress for these efforts.

Meanwhile, upon entering the main chamber and receiving a big cheer, Prime Minister Kishida, seemingly aware of his low domestic approval ratings, joked, "I don't get such kind applause in the Japanese Diet," eliciting laughter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.