Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, a senior member of the Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the importance of the alliance between the United States and Japan in deterring Communist China and fostering economic prosperity. He stated that this partnership is crucial for maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

"For more than 80 years, the U.S.-Japan alliance has acted as the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," said Ricketts. He highlighted that Japan's proximity to areas of geopolitical tension such as China, Russia, the Korean Peninsula, and the Taiwan Strait makes it essential for countering aggression. "This is especially pertinent given Beijing’s dramatic military buildup and increasingly provocative actions," he added.

Ricketts commended President Trump for enhancing economic ties with Japan, which have benefited Nebraska significantly. "Thanks in part to President Trump’s trade deals with Japan during his first term, Japan is one of our largest export markets," he noted. He also mentioned Japan's plans to increase ethanol blending in gasoline as a positive development for grain-based fuels.

The senator made these remarks during a Foreign Relations Committee hearing that discussed several ambassadorial nominations including George Glass for Ambassador to Japan, Pete Hoekstra for Ambassador to Canada, and Ron Johnson for Ambassador to Mexico.