House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chair Young Kim (CA-40), along with several colleagues, has introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning what they describe as coercive actions by China against Japan. The bipartisan effort includes Ranking Member Ami Bera (CA-06), Congressional Study Group on Japan Co-Chairs Andy Barr (KY-06) and Diana DeGette (CO-01), and Japan Caucus Co-chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20).
The resolution comes after a series of actions taken by Beijing following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. According to lawmakers, China’s response included military provocations, trade restrictions, travel advisories, and economic pressure intended to silence Japan.
“Japan is one of America’s closest allies and a vital democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific,” said Rep. Kim. “Attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to intimidate or punish our allies for speaking out undermine the rules-based international order and threaten regional stability. This resolution sends a clear message that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Japan and our allies against authoritarian aggression.”
Rep. Bera added: “As the PRC intensifies its campaign of economic and military coercion against Japan, the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with our democratic ally. I commend Japan’s steadfast commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and fully support Japan’s right to speak up in defense of its own security. This resolution reaffirms the United States Congress’s ironclad commitment to the U.S.–Japan alliance and to upholding the rules-based international order.”
The measure denounces China’s behavior, supports Japan’s ability to state its foreign policy without fear of retaliation, reaffirms U.S.-Japan cooperation in deterring aggression, and references the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty as applying to territories administered by Japan such as the Senkaku Islands.
Young Kim has represented California’s 40th congressional district since 2021 after succeeding Gil Cisneros. She previously served in California’s State Assembly from 2014 through 2016, was born in Incheon, South Korea in 1962, lives in La Habra, California, and earned her BBA from University of Southern California in 1985.
