Keynote Address by Prime Minister Kishida at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2022

On June 10, during his visit to Singapore, Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, attended the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue and delivered a keynote speech for approximately 1 hour from 8:05 p.m. (SST). The summary of the speech is as follows. H.E. Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, The Honorable Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense of the United States of America, and a number of other defense ministers, think tank and media representatives from various countries attended and listened to the speech.

1. At the beginning, Prime Minister Kishida presented his recognition of the current situation in which the international community now stands at a historic crossroads with the aggression of Ukraine, and that we are seeing increasing uncertainty in the region and the international community. He pointed out that at the root of these problems is a situation in which confidence in the universal rules that govern international relations is being shaken.

2. The Prime Minister explained that under these circumstances, his administration will advance a "realism diplomacy for a new era" that adheres to thorough pragmatism in which Japan will respond astutely and decisively while focusing on universal values and firmly holding aloft the banner of ideals for the future. He then annouced that he would advance the five-pillar “Kishida Vision for Peace” with a view to maintaining and strengthening the peaceful order in this region, and that Japan would boost its diplomatic and security role in the region.

(Note) Kishida Vision for Peace

(1) Maintaining and strengthening the rules-based free and open international order and bringing new developments towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
(2) Advancing the fundamental reinforcement of Japan's defense capabilities in tandem with reinforcing the Japan-U.S. Alliance and strengthening security cooperation with other like-minded countries.
(3) Promoting realistic efforts to bring about a “world without nuclear weapons.”
(4) Strengthening the functions of the United Nations, including UN Security Council reform.
(5) Strengthening international cooperation in new policy areas such as economic security.

3. While stating that the "rule of law" serves as the foundation supporting the rules-based free and open international order, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Free and Open Indo Pacific, which Japan has advocated, is becoming increasingly important under the current circumstances, and announced to lay out a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Plan for Peace" by next spring. The announcement included Japan’s intention to develop human resources in the field of maritime security, provide maritime security equipment including patrol vessels and enhance maritime transportation infrastructure, and support human resource development in the areas of the rule of law and governance, among others.

4. In addition, the Prime Minister reiterated his determination to set out a new National Security Strategy by the end of this year, and to fundamentally reinforce Japan's defense capabilities within the next five years and secure substantial increase of Japan’s defense budget needed to effect it, in order to defend Japan and to contribute to the peaceful order in the region, facing the increasing severe security environment surrounding Japan. He also said that Japan would explain its approach to other countries in a transparent and thorough manner.

5. The Prime Minister stated that the path to a "world without nuclear weapons" has become even more challenging, but it is precisely because of this situation that he would do his utmost towards achieving a "world without nuclear weapons," as prime minister with roots in Hiroshima, where an atomic bomb was dropped. He also pointed out that he would ensure Japan’s national security while squarely facing the “reality” of the harsh security environment, and at the same time present a road map that will take us from the “reality” to the “ideal” of a “world without nuclear weapons”, and press forward with realistic nuclear disarmament efforts.

6. Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed that Japan would lead discussions towards strengthening the functions of the United Nations, including the reform of the UN Security Council.

7. The Prime Minister also stated his intention to promote economic security initiatives, in cooperation with the G7, ASEAN, and other countries.