Japanese PM Kishida says the U.S. must play leading role in the world [Video]

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged the U.S. Thursday to continue playing a leading role in the world as it faces threats to democracy and the economic order.

Kishida told lawmakers at a joint meeting of Congress that the world is at a pivotal moment that will define the next stage of history.

“The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations,” Kishida said.

“The international order that the U.S. worked for generations to build is facing new challenges, challenges from those with values and principles very different from ours,” he added.

The speech comes a day after Kishida joined President Joe Biden for a state visit during which they outlined new military cooperation plans and projects to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance as they counter China and Russia.

Kishida told Congress that Japan and the U.S. must work to maintain peace and the rule of law as China, North Korea and Russia look to upend the …