Mon Sep 23 15:02:28 UTC 2024: ## Outgoing Japanese PM Kishida Calls for Continued US Leadership in East Asia

**New York, Sep 23, 2024:** With less than two months before the closely watched US presidential election, Japan’s outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reiterated his call for continued US involvement and leadership in East Asia and the world. Speaking at a Bloomberg event in New York, Kishida stressed the importance of US engagement in safeguarding the international order, particularly in the face of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Kishida, who is not seeking re-election in the upcoming Japanese ruling party leadership election, emphasized the strengthening of the Japan-US alliance and Japan’s enhanced defense capabilities under his leadership. He argued that the US’s role in upholding freedom and democracy is crucial, not only for the region but for the US’s own national interest.

“It should be a safe and peaceful society based on freedom and democracy, which the United States has played a leading role in building since the end of World War Two,” Kishida stated. “Today, East Asia and the rest of the world need US involvement and leadership. This is also for the US’s own national interest.”

His remarks come ahead of the November 5th US presidential election, which pits Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump, who has previously questioned the value of US alliances and support for Ukraine.

Just last weekend, Kishida joined US President Joe Biden, Australian and Indian leaders in the Quad forum, announcing joint security measures in Asia’s vital trade routes amid growing challenges from China. This echoes Kishida’s earlier speech to the US Congress in April, where he warned of the potential collapse of Ukraine without US support, which could embolden China and lead to a new crisis in East Asia.

Kishida’s current visit to the US coincides with the UN General Assembly and serves as a platform to further advocate for international cooperation and US leadership in the face of global challenges. He also encouraged investment in Japan, exhorting potential investors to “boldly invest in Japan, like no one has done before!”

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