Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has delivered an impassioned address to Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, urging the United States to maintain its role as a global leader in the face of threats to democracy and economic order. Kishida emphasized the importance of continued American leadership on the world stage, stating that the international order established by the U.S. is currently facing new challenges from those with conflicting values.
Following a state visit with President Joe Biden where they discussed military cooperation and strengthening their alliance against China and Russia, Kishida addressed Congress to emphasize the need for continued American leadership on the global stage. Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will host Kishida for a luncheon at the State Department after his speech.
Kishida’s visit will also include participation in the first U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit at the White House with President Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This historic address is only the second time a Japanese leader has spoken before U.S. lawmakers, with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe being the first in 2015.
