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Van Hollen Joins Cardin, Risch, and Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the United States-Japan Alliance, Welcoming Prime Minister Kishida to the United States

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the SFRC Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, joined Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) to introduce a bipartisan resolution underscoring the strength and importance of the United States-Japan alliance. Introduced in advance of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s official state visit to Washington this week, this bipartisan resolution reaffirms the vital role that the U.S.-Japan alliance plays as a cornerstone for peace, security, and prosperity and underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region.

“Built upon shared democratic values, the decades-long U.S.-Japan alliance has not only deepened the economic, security, cultural, and people-to-people ties between our two nations – it has also been a positive force for stability in the Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Van Hollen. “We strongly support this partnership and look forward to working with Prime Minister Kishida on a bipartisan basis to further strengthen the bonds between our two peoples in the years to come.”

“Our alliance with Japan is ironclad, and we have never been more strategically aligned with our friends in Tokyo than we are today,” said Senator Cardin. “This alliance plays a vital role in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and Japan is a key partner in addressing the most pressing issues across the globe and even in outer space. From the promotion of international development and addressing global economic challenges, to technological innovation and creating secure supply chains for the future, our cooperation is underpinned by shared values and a commitment to upholding a free and open international order based on the laws and principles that have fostered the prosperity of our countries and the Indo-Pacific region for decades. I am proud to have colleagues on both sides of the aisle join me in introducing this resolution acknowledging the importance of our alliance with Japan and in welcoming Prime Minister Kishida to Washington.”

“Japan is a leader in the world and a strong and steadfast ally of the United States. Japan’s support for Ukraine under Prime Minister Kishida shows its willingness to step up as we face a difficult geopolitical environment,” said Senator Risch. “I also applaud growing trilateral cooperation by the United States and Japan with South Korea and the Philippines. I welcome Prime Minister Kishida to the United States and to Congress, and look forward to deepening cooperation in defense, economic security, and many other areas.”

“Our alliance with Japan is fundamental to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Senator Romney. “At a time of growing military aggression by China in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, the United States must remain committed to strengthening diplomatic ties and security cooperation and work toward our shared strategic interests. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kishida to Washington this week.”

“At a time of global instability, the alliance between the United States and Japan is critical,” said Senator Hirono. “As the only Japanese-American serving in the Senate, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution recognizing the importance of the relationship between our two countries and our shared commitment to ensuring peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kishida to Washington, D.C. this week as we work to further strengthen our alliance.”

“As a Senator and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, I believe the U.S.-Japan Alliance is one of our most important diplomatic, economic, technological, and military alliances in the world, and is central to securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m pleased to support this resolution in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official visit to the United States and I look forward to the Prime Minister’s address to a joint meeting of Congress during his visit.”

A companion resolution will be introduced this week in the House of Representatives by Congressman Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (D-N.Y.).

Among its provisions, the bipartisan resolution also:

  1. Reaffirms the United States’ extended deterrence commitments to Japan;
     
  2. Commits to strengthening and deepening U.S.-Japan diplomatic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties;
     
  3. Acknowledges that 2024 marks the 64thanniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States and Japan;
     
  4. Applauds Japan’s recent historic steps to modernize its national security and defense policy, including its commitments to increase defense spending;
     
  5. Celebrates and encourages continued close coordination between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan to address shared challenges;
     
  6. Recognizes Japan for its strong leadership as the G7 host nation in 2023;
     
  7. Recognizes Japan’s strong and unwavering support for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion.

Find a copy of the resolution HERE.