Japanese Prime Minister: The United States almost alone maintains world order, but feels lonely and exhausted

In a speech to U.S. lawmakers, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that in the face of new challenges, the United States must continue to play a leading role in international affairs. He emphasized that the United States does not have to shoulder the burden of maintaining international order alone. “Japan has stood side by side with the United States.”

The President of the United States hosted Kishida for a state visit to the White House. Kishida urged Congress to consider the importance of global commitments and encouraged Americans not to doubt the importance of their country’s “critical” role in world affairs, Reuters reported.

“As we meet here today, I detect an underlying self-doubt among some Americans about the role they should play in the world. The world needs the United States to continue to play a key role in national affairs,” the Japanese said, quoting the prime minister. words.

Kishida’s speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress was the first for a Japanese leader in nine years.

“I want to say this to those Americans who feel alone and exhausted as a country that almost single-handedly maintains the international order. I understand that it is a heavy burden to carry such hopes,” he continued.

Emphasizing U.S.-Japan ties, the Japanese prime minister added: “The democracies of the world must go all out. I’m here to say that Japan has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States. You are not alone. We are with you.”

Kishida further pointed out that the international order “that the United States has worked hard to establish for generations” is facing new challenges.

He said, “Today’s Ukraine may be tomorrow’s West Asia,” and asked, “Without the presence of the United States, how long will it take for the Indo-Pacific region to face a reality more severe than that of Ukraine?”

“China poses the greatest strategic challenge not only to Japan, but also to the peace and stability of the entire international community,” he told the U.S. Congress.

Japan’s leader reminded U.S. lawmakers of the “leadership role” the United States has played around the world since World War II. He mentioned that after dropping two nuclear weapons on Japan to end the war, the United States helped Japan rebuild, and the two countries transformed from mortal enemies to close allies.

The Associated Press quoted Kishida as saying: “When necessary, it will make noble sacrifices to fulfill its commitment to a better world.”

Kishida’s remarks came against the backdrop of the Republican Party’s push for the United States to reduce its active role in global affairs and adopt an “America First” policy.