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“They do not have to face global challenges alone”

"They do not have to face global challenges alone"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told US lawmakers Thursday that the United States does not have to face serious global challenges alone. Kishida added that Tokyo is enhancing its military capabilities to support its ally.

At a joint meeting of the US Congress, Kishida urged the country to continue its role in defending the international order and addressed skepticism among some Republican lawmakers about continuing aid to Ukraine.

“America's leadership is indispensable. Without US support, how long will it be before Ukraine's hopes collapse under Moscow's onslaught?” Kishida asked during his speech.

Japan has provided $12 billion in aid to Ukraine, including anti-drone detection systems. Kishida also organized a conference on Ukraine's economic growth.

U.S. lawmakers who support aid to Ukraine have suggested that not confronting Russia will send a message to China that it can expand its own ambitions in Taiwan.

“Across the region, the United States' closest regional allies, such as Australia and South Korea, understand that the People's Republic of China (PRC) represents the greatest long-term strategic threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific. But they also understand that what happens in Europe or the Middle East in the short term is very important for Asia,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement after Kishida's speech.

A $96 billion supplemental security package providing aid to Ukraine and Indo-Pacific countries facing Chinese aggression was approved by the Democratic-majority Senate, but has been stalled for months in the House of Representatives, which is closely controlled by the Republicans.

Kishida's plea to U.S. lawmakers was part of a three-day state visit to Washington. On Wednesday, Kishida met with President Joe Biden and announced a series of new defense partnerships between the two countries.

The decades-long alliance between the United States and Japan is seen as key to countering Chinese aggression. Kishida on Thursday acknowledged the partnership with the United States and broader regional alliances.

“Without the US presence, how long will it be before the Indo-Pacific faces even harsher realities?” Kishida said in his speech. “Our alliance serves as a force multiplier and, together with these like-minded countries, we are working towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.

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