WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House and Congress rolled out the red carpet for Japan’s prime minister this week. His high-profile meetings in Washington and a rare speech at the Capitol were designed to get the attention of China and U.S. lawmakers.
Prime Minister Kishida stressed the alliance between Japan and the U.S. is more important than ever.
“The U.S. should not be expected to do it all,” said Kishida.
Kishida told Congress Japan is committed to be a strong partner to the U.S. to counter growing aggression from China.
“We are now at an inflection point that will define the next stage of human history,” he said.
The Japanese leader urged all democracies to help prevent war in the region.
“Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow,” Kishida said.
The Chinese government continues to threaten Taiwan and has attacked Philippine ships in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
President Biden and Kishida held their first-ever trilateral meeting with the Philippine president to discuss security in the region.
“The United States’s defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad,” said Biden.
China has been monitoring Kishida’s trip to Washington and accused the U.S. and its allies of interfering in its domestic affairs.
During a ceremonial luncheon with Vice President Harris and Secretary of State Blinken the two countries announced they’re launching a new partnership in space.
A Japanese astronaut will join NASA’s upcoming lunar missions and become the first non-American astronaut on the moon.
“As part of our collaboration under the Artemis Program,” said Harris.
And as a gesture of friendship Kishida also announced Japan will provide 250 cherry trees for the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.
