Castro, Smith, Titus, Buchanan Commend Japan’s New Parliamentary Caucus to Strengthen Democratic Values in the Indo-Pacific Region
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joined by Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), introduced a House Resolution commending the establishment of the Japanese Diet’s “Caucus for Universal Values in the Indo-Pacific,” which is dedicated to upholding democratic values including human rights, freedom of expression, free and fair elections, checks and balances, and the rule of law. Congressman Castro and Congressman Smith are co-chairs of the U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus.
The members released the following statements:
“The United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Congressman Castro. “I commend the creation of the caucus by members of the Japanese Diet, which highlights the important role Japan has in upholding and strengthening democratic values in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and across the world. With real challenges present across the region, our partnership rooted in commitment to human rights, free expression and the rule of law, will serve as a basis for reinforcing democratic values, countering authoritarian coercion and deepening diplomatic ties.”
“Japan is a valued ally with many shared ideals and interests, including a firm commitment to democracy. I appreciate the new efforts by our counterparts in the Japanese Diet demonstrating their commitment to freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. As a co-chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, I will continue working to advance policies which build on our historic friendship,” said Congressman Smith.
“The U.S.-Japan alliance is underpinned by our shared commitment to advancing stable, effective democratic governance. As Ranking Member of the House Democracy Partnership, I am pleased to see that the Japanese Diet has joined Congress in promoting accountability, transparency, and legislative capacity through interparliamentary exchanges in the Indo-Pacific by establishing its Caucus for Universal Values. Parliamentary diplomacy remains an underutilized tool in foreign policy, and I look forward to greater collaboration with my counterparts in the Japanese Diet to promote democratic values in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” said Congresswoman Titus.
“I applaud the establishment of the Japanese Diet’s Caucus for Universal Values and their commitment to defending democracy and human rights across the Indo-Pacific. As Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, I strongly support continued collaboration between the United States and Japan to advance shared democratic values in a region increasingly threatened by authoritarian influence. Our alliance is built on freedom, transparency and rule of law, and I look forward to strengthened bilateral relations with our key ally,” said Congressman Buchanan.
"We warmly welcome the bipartisan support manifested in this resolution for Japan’s leadership to strengthen democratic governance in the Indo-Pacific region, through the Japanese Parliamentary Caucus for Universal Values and JCIE Democracy for the Future Project. We are grateful to Representatives Castro, Smith, Titus, and Buchanan for their enduring commitment to the US-Japan alliance and to working alongside Japanese partners to advance universal values in the region,” said Yukio Takasu, Chair of JCIE's Democracy for the Future Project.
Read the full text of the resolution here.