Happy Independence Day 2023!
A special message for ACCJ members from US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel
On the 247th anniversary of the birth of our great nation, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Fourth of July to our friends and partners at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). Going on my second year in Japan, I am humbled by what we were able to accomplish. The ACCJ’s leadership played no small role in helping accomplish our mutual goals. While looking at our impressive accomplishments, it is important to note that there is much left to do.
Over the past few years, the US–Japan Alliance has become a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo–Pacific. As discussed at the G7 Summit in May, the importance of defending democratic values in eastern Asia cannot be overstated. Japan’s dedication to this cause can be seen by its reinforcements of defensive and diplomatic capabilities. Our bilateral cooperation has only deepened behind the promise to protect the rule of law and sovereignty.
Russia’s war in Ukraine is a direct attack on international order and the biggest modern threat to sovereignty globally. The invasion threatens to undermine the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response to the unjust war, the United States and Japan held steadfast in our dedication to global security and led international pushback against the Kremlin. Japan and the United States led sanctions, export controls, freezing of Russian assets, and donations to the Ukrainian cause.
This challenge strengthened international cooperation to create a united front against the aggressions of Russia. This war and our united response to it has much wider ramifications than just in Ukraine. As the People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to test the boundaries of the South China Sea and Taiwan, it is evident that the outcome of Russia’s invasion holds great weight in determining the PRC’s aggressiveness in the Indo–Pacific region. In response to the PRC’s encroachment in the South China Sea, the United States and Japan have advocated for a rules-based order in the region, condemning their behavior. To this end, we have worked with other countries in the region to promote freedom of navigation and overflight to address the PRC’s aggressiveness.
“Over the past few years, the US–Japan Alliance has become a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo–Pacific.”
As we address international concerns, we must not forget the urgency of combatting climate change. The United States and Japan are global leaders in the fight against climate change and in recent years our cooperation has only grown stronger. The US–Japan Climate Partnership is an example of this cooperation, which commits us to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. We are making significant progress on this goal by increasing renewable energy and through researching and developing new clean technologies. Our cooperation is essential to addressing the climate crisis and acting as leaders in an international response.
All of this must be accomplished without neglecting the economies of both countries. The advancement of US–Japan economic relations in the past two years is a positive development for both countries and the global economy. Concurrently, we have launched several initiatives to support economic investment in Southeast Asia and to promote free trade in the region. We are committed to working together to address common economic challenges and we are well-positioned to continue to advance our economic relationship in the years to come.
We are fortunate to have strong allies in the ACCJ with common goals. We must never forget that our unity is our greatest strength. It is what gives us the power to defeat tyranny and build a better world. What we can accomplish with the US–Japan alliance in the next two years will shape the future of the Indo–Pacific region for decades to come.
Happy Independence Day. I am confident in our work together. Let’s get it done.
Disclaimer: Opinions or advice expressed in the The ACCJ Journal are not necessarily those of the ACCJ.
