Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered a speech to a joint meeting of US lawmakers, calling on Congress to continue supporting Ukraine against Russia’s aggression and stating that China poses the greatest strategic challenge to world peace. He highlighted Japan’s strong alliance with the United States and emphasized the need to deter aggression from China, Russia, and North Korea to ensure peace and stability globally.
Kishida expressed concerns over North Korea’s growing nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and the threat that poses to international security. He also condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, citing the possibility of a nuclear catastrophe. The Japanese Prime Minister warned US lawmakers about the potential of an East Asia conflict similar to the situation in Ukraine.
Despite facing a delay in the passing of a national security package with funding for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, Kishida affirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Ukraine by providing $12 billion for its defense. He promised to increase Japan’s defense budget to 2% of GDP by 2027 and continue collaborating with NATO nations to address rising global threats.
Reflecting on the post-World War II era, Kishida recognized the contributions of the United States in shaping the international order through championing freedom, democracy, and stability. He highlighted concerns about China’s surveillance and control through social media platforms like TikTok and emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and political self-determination.
The Japanese Prime Minister applauded the partnership between Japan and the US on various fronts, including economic investments, military collaboration, and technological advancements. He referenced Japan’s financial contributions to support American job creation and the joint initiative to send a Japanese astronaut to the moon in the near future. Kishida’s address marked only the second speech to Congress by a Japanese Prime Minister, following Shinzo Abe’s address in 2015.
While addressing the urgent international crisis, Kishida shared personal anecdotes from his childhood and expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received in the United States. He lightened the mood by joking about the lack of applause he receives from the Japanese Diet. The speech demonstrated Japan’s commitment to standing with the US and other allies in promoting peace, deterring aggression, and addressing global challenges to safeguard international security and stability.
