TOKYO: Less than two months before a closely contested US election, Japan’s outgoing Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, reiterated the importance of continued US involvement and leadership in East Asia and globally.
Speaking at a Bloomberg event in New York on Monday, Kishida emphasized that the foundations of the international order are being challenged worldwide, notably by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
He highlighted his efforts to strengthen the Japan-US alliance and enhance Japan’s defence capabilities to uphold a “free and open international order based on the rule of law.” Kishida posed a thought-provoking question: “What kind of future do we intend to hand down to our children and grandchildren? It should not be a world where freedom is restricted and the will of the people is suppressed.”
He stressed the necessity for a safe and peaceful society rooted in freedom and democracy, which the United States has significantly contributed to since the end of World War II. “Today, East Asia and the world need US involvement and leadership, which is also in the US’s national interest,” he said.
Kishida is in the US for the UN General Assembly and ahead of the November 5 presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris will face President Donald Trump, who has questioned the value of US alliances and support for Ukraine at times.
On Saturday, Kishida joined President Joe Biden and the leaders of Australia and India at the Quad forum to announce joint security initiatives in Asia’s trade-rich waters in response to increasing challenges from China.
His remarks on Monday echoed a speech he delivered to the US Congress in April, where he warned that Ukraine could collapse under Russia’s onslaught without US support, potentially emboldening China and triggering a new crisis in East Asia.
Kishida urged Americans not to underestimate the “indispensable” role of the US in global affairs and noted that Japan is undertaking historic military upgrades to support its ally. Speaking to an audience of leading US asset managers, he made a passionate appeal for investment in Japan, exclaiming, “Boldly invest in Japan, like no one has done before!” reminiscent of Captain Kirk from Star Trek.
