Sankei published an interview with former Ambassador to Japan Hagerty in which he reportedly expressed concern about the prolonged delay in the Senate confirmation of Rahm Emanuel as President Biden’s envoy to Japan. “His arrival in the post will send an important message to China, North Korea, Russia, as well as our ally South Korea and Taiwan,” said the senator, who explained that the confirmation has been delayed because Congress prioritizes the domestic situation over U.S. position in the world. Speaking on the ambassador-nominee, Hagerty said: “He and I are in complete sync” when it comes to the extreme importance of a strong U.S.-Japan alliance for regional peace and security. The former ambassador expressed hope that Tokyo will follow the U.S.’s lead in implementing a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics.