OPINION:
A version of this story appeared in the daily Threat Status newsletter from The Washington Times. Click here to receive Threat Status delivered directly to your inbox each weekday.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a rousing welcome on Thursday at a joint session of Congress. Members on both sides of the political aisle set aside their domestic squabbles to listen for an hour to the advice of one of our staunchest allies offering a strategic framework for defending the international order.
Perhaps the gravest threat our nations share in common comes from China, which has escalated its aggressive posture in the Indo-Pacific. Seeking access to the rich natural gas and crude oil resources below the ocean floor, Beijing has made belligerent moves to stake claims in international waters. Last month, a Chinese ship attacked a Philippine supply vessel with water cannons, injuring four sailors, in an attempt to move in on territory far from the Chinese mainland.
Strengthened alliances, based on shared principles, are needed to counter this malign influence. “The United States policy was based on the premise that humanity does not want to live oppressed by an authoritarian state,” Mr. Kishida said, “where you are tracked and surveilled and denied from expressing what is in your heart and on your mind.”
The perils we face aren’t limited to the high seas. “New forms of oppression are being imposed on the world,” the prime minister explained. “Freedom is being suppressed through digital technologies. Social media is censored, monitored and controlled.”
Mr. Kishida called on America to set aside its self-doubt and reassert the importance of its founding principles to confront these global predicaments, saying, “The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations.”
In the aftermath of World War II, America assumed the mantle of leadership, promoting freedom and democracy with a zeal that included extending an olive branch to our former foe. Out of mortal conflict grew a lasting friendship accompanied by mutual prosperity.
Success comes at a cost. Given Japan’s proximity to China, Mr. Kishida is aware of the consequences of neglecting the region’s stability. He also understands the need to remind policymakers that the United States does not take on the heavy burden of defending the international order alone.
Japan intends to stand by our side every step of the way. “We are on deck, we are on task,” Mr. Kishida said. “And we are ready to do what is necessary.”
In the postwar era, U.S. leaders curtailed the strength of Japan’s military out of an abundance of caution. But that doesn’t mean Tokyo’s assistance is limited today. No other nation stores as much of its treasure on our shores as Japan, with foreign direct investment exceeding $800 billion.
From economic strength comes technological development that creates the tools for advancing freedom and defending democracy.
“While such a challenge from China continues, our commitment to upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law, as well as peace, will continue to be the defining agenda going forward,” Mr. Kishida said.
In line with Mr. Kishida’s sage advice, a reinvigorated commitment to freedom must begin with opposition to censorship and an embrace of free speech. In addition, more must be done to respect religious liberty in Japan and here at home, as this fundamental principle is what distinguishes us from our adversaries abroad.
Last week, on the same day Mr. Kishida spoke to Congress, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich warned in an op-ed on these pages that while the prime minister is an important ally to the United States, he had taken a ’strange and indefensible turn’ on the issue of
religious liberty and free speech.
Mr. Gingrich pointed out that Mr. Kishida had developed a ’pattern of hostility’ to several religious organizations, including the Unification Church, whose leader founded The Washington Times more than 40 years ago.
“Military cooperation is important. Going to the moon together is important. Defense-industrial cooperation is important,” Mr. Gingrich
said. “But beyond all those alliance activities, a deep commitment to the rule of law and religious liberty is key to the American-Japanese relationship. This has been true since Japan adopted a constitution designed to preserve freedom after World War II.
He concluded, “It is vital that the Japanese government reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law and to the principles of religious freedom, which are the heart of a truly free society.”
We recognize Mr. Kishida’s well-articulated framework for freedom and the rule of law underpinning the U.S.-Japan alliance to combat global threats. We urge the distinguished prime minister of Japan to lead with integrity and honor, surely avoiding any gap between his
inspiring words and his actions.
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