On Thursday, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C. welcomed Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry and a 1992 MPP graduate of UMD School of Public Policy. During his visit, Nishimura discussed the authoritarian regimes that have risen to power in the wake of the Cold War and the enormous amount of military and economic power they have since accumulated as a result of free trade and economic interdependence.
Speaking on how the U.S and other democratic countries must rise to meet this challenge, Nishimura stated, “We must rebuild a world order based on the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
We must rebuild a world order based on the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
When the G-7 leaders gather this May in Hiroshima, noted Nishimura, likely on their agenda will be developing a unified response to economic coercion. "We might need to make preparations to identify the choke points of countries wanting to engage in coercion and then take countermeasures if necessary."
Concerns are mounting that Beijing and Moscow will use their power to force supply chains to stop opposition from the U.S., Japan, Europe or anyone else who doesn’t fall in line with their goals. With this in mind, Nishimura is calling for democratic countries to mobilize and unite in their shared values of freedom and human rights.
Nishimura’s visit last week preceded this Friday’s expected Washington visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Kishida is expected to meet with President Biden to discuss regional and global concerns including Russia’s war against Ukraine, North Korea, and China’s tensions with Taiwan, while also celebrating the strength of the U.S. and Japan alliance.
