## Japan's Prime Minister Addresses US Congress, Urging Global Commitment
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed a joint session of Congress on April 11, 2024, emphasizing the importance of global commitment amidst rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and skepticism within the US Congress regarding international involvement.
Kishida's visit coincided with President Joe Biden's completion of hosting leaders from the Quad, an informal partnership between the US, Japan, Australia, and India, aimed at countering China's growing military presence in the region.
During his address, Kishida underscored the value of US commitment to global security and reassured Congress of Japan's unwavering partnership. However, he acknowledged the prevailing "undercurrent of self-doubt" among some Americans regarding their role in the world.
Kishida reminded lawmakers of the US's leading role on the global stage since World War II, highlighting the post-war reconstruction of Japan and the transformation from adversaries to close allies. He emphasized the US's "noble sacrifices" in fulfilling its commitment to a better world.
Japan's commitment to global security and human rights was also highlighted by Kishida. He emphasized Japan's transformation from a "reticent ally" to a strong partner "standing shoulder-to-shoulder" with the US, particularly in supporting Ukraine and providing humanitarian aid.
China's growing assertiveness was identified as the "greatest strategic challenge" to regional peace and stability. Kishida's visit coincided with a US-Japan-Philippines summit and the announcement of joint military exercises with the UK in the Indo-Pacific, drawing strong objections from China.
Kishida emphasized the far-reaching consequences of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting Japan's $12 billion in wartime aid to Kyiv. He declared, "Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow," and reaffirmed Japan's unwavering support for Ukraine.
While Kishida's address received standing ovations from much of the chamber, some hardline conservatives remained seated, and others skipped the speech altogether. This reflects the deep divisions within the Republican-controlled House regarding the $95 billion foreign security package, which includes wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel, aid to Indo-Pacific allies, and humanitarian assistance.
Kishida's visit also coincided with domestic political challenges in Japan, including a political funds corruption scandal within his party and a decline in the nation's economy.
This was the first address to Congress by a Japanese Prime Minister since Shinzo Abe in 2015, and the sixth foreign leader to address Congress during Biden's presidency. Kishida, who spent his early childhood in New York City, concluded his address with a nostalgic reference to American pastimes, eliciting laughter and applause from the lawmakers.