Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses Congress amid skepticism about US role abroad

WASHINGTON (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed U.S. lawmakers at the Capitol on Thursday, urging them to consider the importance of global commitments at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific and deep skepticism in Congress about U.S. involvement abroad.

Kishida is in Washington this week visiting President Joe Biden as the White House completes hosting each leader of the Quad — an informal partnership between the U.S. Japan, Australia and India that is seen as important to countering China's growing military strength in the region. Kishida highlighted the value of the U.S. commitment to global security and offered reassurances that Japan is a strong partner.

On Capitol Hill, his audience included many Republicans who have pushed for the U.S. to take a less active role in global affairs as they follow the “America First" ethos of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. The Republican-controlled House has sat for months on a $95 billion package that would send wartime funding to Ukraine and Israel, as well as aid to allies in the Indo-Pacific like Taiwan and humanitarian help to civilians in Gaza and Ukraine.

“As we meet here today, I detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be,” Kishida told Congress.

He sought to remind lawmakers of the leading role the U.S. has played globally since World War II. After dropping two nuclear weapons on Japan to end the war, the U.S. helped rebuild Japan, and the nations transformed from bitter enemies to close allies.

“When necessary, it made noble sacrifices to fulfill its commitment to a better world,” Kishida said of the U.S.

Japan has taken a strong role in supporting Ukraine's defense against Moscow as well as helping humanitarian aid get to Gaza. It is also seen as a key U.S. partner in a fraught region where China is asserting its strength and North Korea is developing a nuclear program.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech Thursday, “The best way the House can heed Prime Minister Kishida’s words is to pass the national security supplemental as soon as possible, to approve defense funding not just for Ukraine but also for the Indo-Pacific.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also said earlier this week that he hoped Kishida’s visit would underscore “that we’re in a worldwide situation here against the enemies of democracy — led by China, Russia and Iran.”

Kishida offered reassurances that Japan is also committed to global security and human rights. He said that since recovering from the “devastation of World War II,” Japan has transformed from a reticent ally to a strong partner “standing shoulder-to-shoulder” with the U.S.

The prime minister called China’s stance “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.”

Kishida was also attending a U.S.-Japan-Philippines summit on Thursday in another effort to bolster regional cooperation in the face of China’s aggression. The United Kingdom also announced Thursday that it would hold joint military exercises with Japan and the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific next year.

Beijing has pushed back strongly on those actions during Kishida's visit.

Mao Ning, the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, said, “Despite China’s serious concerns, the U.S. and Japan attacked and smeared China on the Taiwan question and maritime issues, grossly interfered in China’s domestic affairs and violated the basic norms in international relations.”

Meanwhile, Kishida cast the future of the conflict in Ukraine as having far-reaching consequences. He emphasized that Japan has committed to providing Kyiv with $12 billion in wartime aid, including anti-drone detection systems.

“Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow,” Kishida told lawmakers, and later added: “Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine.”

The statements drew standing ovations from much of the chamber but a group of hardline conservatives remained seated. Other lawmakers skipped the speech and Capitol staff filled empty chairs with congressional aides.

Those moments encapsulated the pressure that House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing as he searches for a way forward for the foreign security package. It will be a difficult task to navigate the deep divides among Republicans. Making matters worse for the Republican speaker, he is already facing the threat of being ousted from the speaker's office.

In a statement after the address, Johnson praised the U.S. partnership with Japan and said, "We will not let tyrants disrupt the prosperity and security we all enjoy.”

Kishida, who was elected in 2021, arrived in Washington while facing political problems of his own in Japan. Polls show his support has plunged as he deals with a political funds corruption scandal within his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The nation's economy has also slipped to the world's fourth-largest last year, falling behind Germany.

This is the first time a Japanese prime minister addresses Congress since Shinzo Abe traveled to Capitol Hill in 2015. Kishida is the sixth foreign leader to address Congress during Biden's presidency.

He relished the moment and highlighted his ties to the U.S. He told lawmakers how he spent his first three years of elementary school in New York City while his father worked there as a trade official. Lawmakers applauded and laughed as he recalled American pastimes like attending baseball games and watching the Flintstones.

“I still miss that show,” Kishida told them. “Although I could never translate, ‘Yabba dabba doo.’”

Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, listens as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks before a luncheon at the State Department in Washington, Thursday, April 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., before ddressing a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Capitol in Washington, as Vice President Kamala Harris looks on. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Capitol in Washington, as Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., look on. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., meets with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the U.S. Capitol, Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

FILE - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House, April 10, 2024, in Washington. Fumio will head to Congress on Thursday, April 11, for an address to U.S. lawmakers meant to underscore the importance of keeping a strong partnership between the two countries at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

SEATTLE (AP) — Ryan Gauld scored on a penalty kick in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, and the Vancouver Whitecaps salvaged a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night.

Gauld’s tying goal came following a lengthy video review where referee Victor Rivas and video official Pierre-Luc Lauziere determined Seattle defender Nouhou committed a handball inside the penalty area in the 90th minute.

Gauld sent Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei the wrong direction with his left-footed shot for his fourth goal of the season. Gauld also scored against the Sounders in a 2-0 win last month.

Seattle’s Jordan Morris scored his second of the year in the opening minutes of the match but the Sounders will feel it was a harsh penalty decision that cost them the chance at three points. Seattle was trying to complete a six-point week and pick up wins over its two Cascadia rivals after winning in Portland last weekend.

Instead, the Sounders remain with just one victory at home so far this season.

The Sounders nearly picked up a late winner as designated player Pedro de la Vega had a shot hit the post in the final seconds of the match. De la Vega entered in the 76th minute for his first appearance since March 2 when suffered a hamstring injury against Austin FC. He also had a header hit the crossbar in the 82nd minute.

Morris’ goal came off a scramble in the penalty area in the ninth minute. Alex Roldan’s initial shot was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, but was pushed right toward Morris and his left-footed shot found net. His only other goal this season came on April 6 against Montreal.

After losing its last two league matches, both on the road, the Whitecaps earned a point with the late draw. But Vancouver has not won since beating Seattle on April 20 and scored just two goals in its last five MLS games.

While Vancouver gets to go home this week, it doesn’t get much easier. After a midweek home game against Calvary FC in the Canadian Championship quarterfinals, the Whitecaps host Lionel Messi and Eastern Conference-leading Inter Miami next Saturday.

AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer

Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris, right, and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Javain Brown pursue the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini argues with an official as midfielder Ryan Gauld lies on the ground during the first half of the team's MLS soccer match against the Seattle Sounders, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon blocks a shot from Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas (18) during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Raposo reacts to an official calling possession for the Seattle Sounders during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Whitecaps defender Javain Brown, top, collides with Seattle Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák while going up for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Vancouver Whitecaps defender Javain Brown, top, collides with Seattle Sounders midfielder Albert Rusnák while going up for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris, right, reacts with midfielder Albert Rusnák, center, after scoring against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris reacts after scoring against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)