On Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed a joint session of Congress, praising the United States’ global leadership as “indispensable.”
Kishida is in Washington this week as the United States seeks to enhance partnerships with Indo-Pacific allies in the face of shared threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
During his speech to Congress, Kishida cautioned against such threats while attempting to comfort Americans, who he said were facing “self-doubt” and tiredness in maintaining “international order.”
“As I often say, Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow,” the prime minister stated.
“Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow?” he said. “Without the United States presence, how long before the Indo-Pacific would face even harsher realities?”
His statements drew cheers, but other Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, did not join in.
Kishida’s remarks to Ukraine skeptics coincide with a political battle on Capitol Hill that is blocking US assistance to the war-torn ally battling Russia’s incursion.
More than a year has passed since Congress approved money for Ukraine.
The Senate enacted a $95 billion foreign aid package in February, including over $60 billion for Ukraine, but the legislation has yet to be considered by the Republican-controlled House, where some hard-line conservatives oppose sending any more help to Ukraine.
Speaker Mike Johnson had stated that the House would address Ukraine’s financing with “innovations” when members returned from recess this week. However, as of Wednesday, there had been little movement in determining how to proceed.
“There are a lot of different ideas on that; as you know, it’s a very complicated matter at a very complicated time,” Johnson said during a press conference with other Republican leaders on Wednesday. “The clock is ticking, and everyone here understands the urgency.” But what is essential is that you achieve an agreement on it, which is what we are working on.”
Kishida met with Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries just before speaking at the joint session of Congress.
In his speech, Kishida stated that his country had announced $12 billion in aid to Ukraine as part of NATO’s aid package and had put strict sanctions on Russia.
“Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine,” the prime minister added.
On Wednesday, the prime minister met with President Joe Biden and other government officials in the Oval Office. The two presidents discussed defense collaborations, economic relations, and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Following a joint news appearance in the Rose Garden, Biden urged Johnson to put Ukraine’s aid up for a vote after complimenting Japan’s cooperation.
“The war in Ukraine comes to an end with the House leader allowing a vote,” stated Vice President Joe Biden. “Most Democrats and Republicans strongly support Ukraine. There should be a vote right now.
During their visit, Biden and Kishida announced new steps to improve military command and control structures, a conference for missile co-development and co-production, new space accords, and climate initiatives.
The Bidens laid out the red carpet for Kishida on Wednesday night when they held a state dinner at the White House. Biden and Kishida toasted the sentiments of unity there.
On Thursday, Biden will hold a trilateral meeting with Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. A senior official told ABC News that the meeting will allow the three leaders to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” as China applies “extraordinary pressure” in the South China Sea.
Kishida, who acknowledged his close connection to the United States, which dates back to his youth in Queens, told lawmakers that Japan is “ready to do what’s necessary” to assist the United States in protecting democracy and deterring aggression.
“You’re not alone. “We are with you,” the Prime Minister stated.
