In a recent speech to U.S. lawmakers, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his concern about the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He warned that without the support of the United States, Ukraine could potentially collapse under Russia’s onslaught, which would not only be disastrous for Ukraine but could also embolden China and create a new crisis in East Asia.
Kishida stressed the importance of the United States’ leadership in upholding the international order and urged Americans not to doubt their “indispensable” role in world affairs. He also emphasized that Japan was undertaking historic military upgrades to support its ally.
However, President Joe Biden’s request for $60 billion in aid for Ukraine has been stalled for weeks as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to allow a vote on the issue ahead of a Nov. 5 presidential election. This has created a sense of urgency for Kishida, who believes that the world is at a “historic turning point,” with freedom and democracy under threat, emerging countries holding more economic power, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence disrupting people’s lives.
Kishida also warned about North Korea’s nuclear program and exports of missiles supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, but he believes that the biggest challenge the world faces comes from China. He stated that “China’s current external stance and military actions present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge,” not only to Japan’s peace and security but also to the peace and stability of the international community at large.
Kishida believes that Taiwan, which is claimed by China as its territory, is particularly vulnerable to China’s aggressive behaviour. He warned that “Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow,” and that the international community must work together to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law, as well as peace.
Despite deep-rooted reservations in Japan about its militaristic past, Kishida said the country was embarking on a major shift in its defence posture to support U.S. efforts to ward off current threats. He emphasized that Japan has transformed itself from a reticent ally, recovering from the devastation of World War II to a strong, committed ally, looking outward to the world.
Kishida’s speech was interrupted several times by standing ovations, especially as he recounted the years of his childhood spent in New York. He and President Biden also unveiled plans for military cooperation and projects ranging from missiles to moon landings, strengthening their alliance with an eye on countering China and Russia.
