Japan’s Abe to address joint session of US Congress
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to become the first premier in the country’s history to address a joint session of the US Congress, focusing on increasing trade and military ties.
Abe will deliver his speech to both the US Senate and House of Representatives in Washington DC at the end of April during Japan’s Golden Week holidays, diplomatic and legislative sources confirmed.
Invitations have been sent and an official announcement is expected soon.
Experts say the upcoming speech will echo some of the themes discussed from Abe’s speech to the Australian parliament in July, particularly about the “evils and horrors” of Japan's history.
On December 8, 1941 a joint session of the US Congress led to a declaration of war against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Encouraging economic, military ties
The Japanese premier will also likely talk about deepening economic and military ties, pushing forward talks regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership – a trade deal involving a dozen nations, including Australia, the United States, Japan, Mexico and Vietnam.
The US reportedly ships nearly two billion dollars worth of goods to the Trans-Pacific countries every day.
Efforts are already underway to update guidelines that govern military relations between the US and Japan.
Revisions may include Japan coming to the aid of US ships that are attacked in the Western Pacific or the South China Sea.
Tokyo has revised the way it interprets Article Nine of its constitution – which outlaws Japan going to war – allowing combat for self-defense.
Washington and Tokyo have maintained and developed their military capabilities amid major territorial disputes between Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and others in both the South China Sea and East China Sea.
Although the US has repeatedly said it would take no side between China and Japan regarding disputed islands in the East China Sea, it officially recognizes Japan’s administration of the islands and feels responsible to protect Japan’s territory under a defense deal signed between the two countries.
GMA/NN/HMV
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