Japanese Prime Minister concerned about some isolationist positions in the USA – Observer

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conveyed to the US Congress this Thursday his concern about the isolationism defended by some lawmakers and called on Washington to maintain its leadership in the face of threats from China, Russia and North Korea.

As part of his state visit to the United States, which has already included a meeting with US President Joe Biden, Kishida addressed both chambers of Congress this Thursday during a formal session.

According to the EFE news agency, the Japanese leader’s speech included veiled references to the most radical wing of the Republicans, supporters of the former president and the likely presidential candidate of the Republican Party Donald Trump, who defend the suspension of military aid to Ukraine.

Kishida also praised the decades-long leadership of the United States of America (USA) in the formation of the international liberal order, lamenting, however, “an underlying current of doubts among some Americans about what their role should be in the world”.

“These doubts are emerging at a time when the world is at a turning point“, warned the Japanese politician, who stated that “freedom and democracy are at risk around the world”.

Qualifying China’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific as “the greatest challenge to the peace and security not only of Japan, but of the entire international community”, Kishida also warned of the actions of the North Koreans who, in addition to supporting the invasion Russia in Ukraine, highlight the “imminent danger” of a nuclear escalation in Asia.

“Today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia”argued the Japanese man for whom “the leadership of the United States is indispensable”.

On this occasion, he offered Japan’s support to work side by side to “deter aggression and ensure peace” and recalled that his government is implementing a strong increase in the military budget.

To the applause of almost all congressmen, Kishida promised that “Japan will continue to support Ukraine.”

The Biden administration opted for a closer alliance with Japan and South Korea, given China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and threats from the Pyongyang regime.

On Wednesday, Biden and Kishida announced the biggest reformulation in 65 years of the military alliance between the countries, in what is the first state visit by a Japanese leader in nine years.

In turn, and in reaction to the meeting between Biden and Kishida, Beijing this Thursday accused the United States and Japan of “defaming and attacking China”.