House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said on Tuesday during a visit to Japan that the United States faces many challenges as a leader on the global stage.
Cantor led a congressional delegation to Japan, China and South Korea that focused on economic growth and trade, regional security challenges and strengthening alliances.
Cantor cited the ongoing conflict in Syria, Russia’s alleged aggression toward Ukraine and Iran’s quest to obtain nuclear weapons as three global challenges.
“While we cannot afford to ignore these challenges, none of this should distract from the priority the United States also must place on the Asia-Pacific,” Cantor said. “We are a Pacific nation. However, America’s commitment to our friends and allies around the world is critical to our standing with our allies in the Asia-Pacific region….”
Cantor said members of the congressional delegation had “productive” meetings with senior Japanese officials, and he commended their efforts to promote prosperity, peace and security in the region.
The situation in North Korea and challenges presented by China’s expansion were among the issues discussed with senior Japanese officials.
“Lastly, a lot of our discussions focused on the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” Cantor said. “We’re pleased to hear that our negotiators along with those here in Japan are making progress. All of us would say we believe this agreement would mean real job growth and real economic prosperity not only for you here in the region, but for us in the United States.”