Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio addressed a joint session of the US Congress on Thursday. He pledged that his country will work as the United States' "global partner" to maintain international order based on freedom and democracy.

Kishida became the first Japanese leader in about nine years to address a joint meeting of Congress.

In his speech, he said, "The US shaped the international order in the postwar world through economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power."

Kishida highlighted that the country "championed freedom and democracy" and "encouraged the stability and prosperity of nations, including Japan."

The prime minister said that, when necessary, the US also "made noble sacrifices to fulfill its commitment to a better world."

Kishida stated, "we are now at an inflection point that will define the next stage of human history." He pointed out, "The international order that the US worked for generations to build is facing new challenges, challenges from those with values and principles very different from ours," and as a result, "Freedom and democracy are currently under threat around the globe."

Kishida explained, "China's current external stance and military actions present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge, not only to the peace and security of Japan but to the peace and stability of the international community at large."

In addition, he pointed out that "North Korea's nuclear and missile program is a direct threat" and "Russia's unprovoked, unjust, and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has entered its third year."

Kishida said Russia "continues to threaten the use of nuclear weapons, which has contributed to worldwide concern that yet another catastrophe by nuclear weapon use is a real possibility."

He also touched on what he called "new forms of oppression," saying that freedom "is being suppressed through digital technologies" and there "are growing cases of economic coercion."

Directing his speech to the American people who "feel the loneliness and exhaustion of being the country that has upheld the international order almost singlehandedly," he said that "the US should not be expected to do it all, unaided" and on its own.

Kishida emphasized, "The defense of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law is the national interest of Japan." He said he does not want to leave children "a society where human rights are suppressed."

Kishida said, "Japan is already standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States." He assured that the US is "not alone." He added that Japan has expanded its "outlook beyond that of being America's closest ally" and is now its "global partner."

The prime minister detailed Japan's actions, mentioning that the country announced in 2022 its plans to "secure a substantial increase" of its defense budget by fiscal 2027 to 2 percent of gross domestic product, "possess counterstrike capabilities, and improve cybersecurity."

He also said, "Japan has taken strong sanctions against Russia in the wake of its aggression against Ukraine" and has also "announced over 12 billion dollars in aid to Ukraine, including anti-drone detection systems."

He called on the US Congress to show "strong bipartisan support for" Japan's efforts. This appeal is believed to have been prompted by the deepening political divisions in the US leading up to the November presidential election.

Kishida also highlighted Japan's economic contributions, saying, "Japanese companies have invested around 800 billion dollars" in the US economy, "creating almost one million American jobs." He said, "A growth-oriented Japanese economy should also spur even greater investment in the United States."

The prime minister emphasized the expanding scope of Japan-US cooperation to outer space, including the US-led Artemis lunar exploration program.

Kishida concluded by saying that Japan and the US "carry a large responsibility" together. He said Japan is the United States' "global partner today" and will be so "in the years ahead."