[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2480-S2481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 153--RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UNITED STATES-
  JAPAN RELATIONSHIP TO SAFEGUARDING GLOBAL SECURITY, PROSPERITY, AND 
                              HUMAN RIGHTS

  Mr. CORKER (for himself, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Rubio, Mrs. 
Shaheen, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Menendez, and Mr. Perdue) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 153

       Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is a cornerstone 
     of global peace and stability and underscores the past, 
     present, and future United States commitment to the stability 
     and prosperity of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas the United States and Japan established diplomatic 
     relations on March 31, 1854, with the signing of the Treaty 
     of Peace and Amity;
       Whereas 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World 
     War II, a conflict where the

[[Page S2481]]

     United States and Japan were enemies, and the strength of the 
     alliance is a testament to the ability of great nations to 
     overcome the past and to work together to create a more 
     secure and prosperous future;
       Whereas January 19, 2015, marked the 55th anniversary of 
     the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security 
     between the United States and Japan;
       Whereas the United States and Japan are both free societies 
     committed to the principles of inclusive democracy, respect 
     for human potential and individual character, and the belief 
     that the peaceful spread of these principles will result in a 
     safer and brighter future for all of mankind;
       Whereas the Governments and people of the United States and 
     Japan can help realize this future through further 
     strengthening their economic, political, social, cultural, 
     and security relationship;
       Whereas the United States and Japan are indispensable 
     partners in tackling global challenges, and have pledged 
     significant support for efforts to counter violent extremism, 
     including the threat of ISIL; combat the proliferation of 
     weapons of mass destruction; prevent piracy; improve global 
     health; promote human rights; contribute to economic 
     development around the world; and assist the victims of 
     conflict and disaster worldwide;
       Whereas the Governments and people of the United States and 
     Japan share a commitment to free and open markets, high 
     standards for the free flow of commerce and trade, and the 
     establishment of an inclusive architecture for regional and 
     global trade and development;
       Whereas Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also reiterated that 
     his cabinet will uphold the stance on the recognition of 
     history of previous prime ministers, including the Murayama 
     statement;
       Whereas the United States-Japan security alliance has 
     evolved considerably over many decades and will continue to 
     transform as a partnership, sharing greater responsibilities, 
     dedicated to ensuring a secure and prosperous region and 
     world;
       Whereas the Government of Japan has reinterpreted its 
     constitution to allow for the collective self-defense of its 
     allies, including the United States, an action that 
     strengthens the alliance's ability to defend Japan and to 
     continue to safeguard regional security;
       Whereas the United States-Japan alliance is essential for 
     ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation, 
     commerce, and overflight in the waters of the East China Sea;
       Whereas Japan stands as a strong partner of the United 
     States in efforts to uphold respect for the rule of law and 
     to oppose the use of coercion, intimidation, or force to 
     change the regional or global status quo, including in the 
     East and South China Seas, which are among the busiest 
     waterways in the world;
       Whereas the United States and Japan are committed to 
     working together towards a world where the Democratic 
     People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) does not threaten global 
     peace and security with its weapons of mass destruction and 
     illicit activities, and where the DPRK respects human rights 
     and people can live in freedom;
       Whereas the United States and Japan have a long history of 
     successful technical cooperation and joint scientific 
     research and development;
       Whereas, on May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants 
     arrived in the United States, and Japanese-Americans have 
     made significant contributions to the advancement, including 
     our former colleague, the late Senator Daniel Inouye, of the 
     United States;
       Whereas people-to-people ties between the United States and 
     Japan are long-standing and deep, as exemplified by the gift 
     of the beautiful cherry trees which dot our nation's capital 
     from the People of Japan to the People of the United States 
     in 1912, signifying an unbreakable bond between the two 
     nations; and
       Whereas, on April 29, 2015, Prime Minister Abe will address 
     a Joint Meeting of Congress at the invitation of the Speaker 
     of the House: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. SENSE OF THE SENATE.

       The Senate--
       (1) reaffirms the importance of the United States-Japan 
     alliance for maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-
     Pacific region and beyond, including through United States 
     extended deterrence, the revision of the Guidelines for 
     United States-Japan Defense Cooperation, and Japan's policy 
     of ``Proactive Contribution to Peace'' based on the 
     principles of international cooperation;
       (2) supports ongoing efforts to further strengthen the 
     United States-Japan alliance to confront emerging challenges, 
     including cyber and space;
       (3) supports strong cooperation between the United States 
     and Japan in safeguarding maritime security and ensuring 
     freedom of navigation, commerce, and overflight in the East 
     and South China Seas;
       (4) recognizes that although the United States Government 
     does not take a position on the ultimate sovereignty of the 
     Senkaku Islands, the United States acknowledges that they are 
     under the administration of Japan and opposes any unilateral 
     actions that would seek to undermine such administration;
       (5) reaffirms that the unilateral actions of a third party 
     will not affect the United States acknowledgment of the 
     administration of Japan over the Senkaku Islands and that the 
     United States remains committed under the Treaty of Mutual 
     Cooperation and Security to respond to any armed attack in 
     the territories under the administration of Japan;
       (6) recognizes the support of the Government of Japan in 
     addressing global challenges that threaten the security of 
     people everywhere;
       (7) supports the expansion of academic and cultural 
     exchanges between the United States and Japan, especially 
     efforts to encourage Japanese students to study at 
     universities in the United States, and vice versa, to deepen 
     people-to-people ties;
       (8) encourages the expansion of scientific research and 
     development and technical cooperation with Japan, to address 
     global challenges;
       (9) promotes deepening the economic and trade ties between 
     the United States and Japan, including the empowerment of 
     women, which is vital for the prosperity of both our nations, 
     the Asia Pacific region, and the world; and
       (10) calls for continued cooperation between the 
     Governments of the United States and Japan in the promotion 
     of human rights.

     SEC. 2. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

       Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as a 
     declaration of war or authorization to use force.

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