Kishida Calls for Continued U.S. Leadership in East Asia

Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reiterated the need for ongoing U.S. involvement in East Asia and the world. Speaking at a Bloomberg event, he emphasized the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance and called for investment in Japan, stressing the role of freedom and democracy in global stability.

Less than two months before a critical U.S. election, Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged for sustained U.S. leadership in East Asia and globally. Kishida, who is stepping down and not participating in Japan's ruling party leadership election, emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance during an event hosted by Bloomberg in New York. He noted that the international order is facing challenges, citing Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Kishida highlighted his efforts to strengthen Japan's defense and the bilateral alliance with the U.S., underlining the need for a free and open international order based on the rule of law. "What kind of future do we intend to hand down to our children and grandchildren? It is not a world where freedom is restricted and the will of the people is suppressed," he asserted.

During his speech, Kishida reiterated that a safe and democratic society should be the goal and mentioned the U.S.'s pivotal role post-World War Two in building such a global order. He also attended the Quad forum with leaders from the U.S., Australia, and India, focusing on joint security steps in face of rising challenges from China. Later, Kishida encouraged investments in Japan, drawing a parallel to Captain Kirk's adventurous spirit from Star Trek.

(With inputs from agencies.)