Japanese Prime Minister Goes on Diplomatic Blitz in Bid to Counter China Influence

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are seen during a press conference at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on May 3, 2024. Ton Molina/Bloomberg via Getty Images

News Analysis

Ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to Europe, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Paris on May 2, followed by visits to Brazil and Paraguay. Mr. Kishida pledged to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Experts believe Japan’s diplomatic goal is to engage allies and partners to contain China’s influence.