In his inaugural diplomatic journey to the United States, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke before a joint session of Congress, emphasizing a perceived wave of skepticism among American lawmakers at a juncture when American leadership is of paramount importance, The Hill reported on Friday.

“Your steadfast belief has been that liberty is the lifeblood of civilization. The global community depends on the United States to persist in assuming its crucial role in world affairs,” Kishida remarked.

“Nevertheless, in our gathering today, I sense a shadow of doubt among certain Americans regarding your nation’s global responsibilities,” he continued. This marked the first speech by a foreign dignitary presided over by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who currently grapples with managing a conference marred by disorder, as a faction of GOP legislators repeatedly obstructs legislative measures due to their individual criticisms, as reported by The Hill.

Kishida’s administration draws a clear correlation between bolstering Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and deterring China’s ambitions towards Taiwan, thus averting a potential conflict in East Asia.

“As I often state, today’s Ukraine may be tomorrow’s East Asia,” he mentioned. While Vice President Harris and others stood and applauded this statement, Speaker Johnson remained seated. Earlier in his oration, Kishida underscored that China’s military maneuvers present a formidable challenge to international peace and stability.

“China’s current outward posture and military conduct represent an unprecedented strategic threat, not solely to the security of Japan, but to the global community’s peace and equilibrium.”

Kishida’s appeal resonated with a rare bipartisan accord in Congress acknowledging China as the chief menace to the current, U.S.-dominated world order. The Hill noted that Kishida’s entreaty was particularly aimed at Republicans who perceive international engagement as a distraction from addressing domestic issues.