US lawmakers meet Japanese officials over PLA aggression concerns

Webp 1ccom6xkp3tojtzrwddr7fzeb4j4
Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official U.S. House headshot

US lawmakers meet Japanese officials over PLA aggression concerns

Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, along with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX), and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), traveled to Japan this week to express support for the U.S.-Japan alliance and discuss strategies to address the Chinese Communist Party’s increasing military, economic, and ideological aggression.

In meetings with Japanese officials, Chairman Moolenaar emphasized the necessity for enhanced security cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region and encouraged the Japanese government to continue countering the CCP’s adverse economic activities.

During discussions with Prime Minister Kishida, Moolenaar highlighted the significance of the US-Japan alliance and explored collaborative measures to secure critical supply chains and emerging technologies from CCP's detrimental economic tactics.

Following a recent Chinese military incursion into Japanese airspace, meetings with Defense Minister Kihara focused on supporting Japan’s sovereignty and reinforcing close security cooperation between both nations, emphasizing Japan's crucial role in regional peacekeeping.

The delegation also engaged with Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Saitō to deliberate on strengthening economic ties between the U.S. and Japan amidst CCP’s aggressive economic maneuvers.

In conversations with Foreign Minister Kamikawa, discussions centered on American and Japanese leadership roles in sustaining regional peace.

The delegation visited U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel at the U.S. Embassy in Japan to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts.

A visit to Yokosuka Naval Base provided insights into how naval forces are addressing rising military threats from the CCP.

Meetings at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan focused on challenges faced by American businesses operating there and potential governmental support strategies.