When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

blog

Japan's Seventh Prime Minister In Six Years Unveils New Cabinet

THE JAPAN TIMES, THE ASAHI SHIMBUN, (Japan) THE NEW YORK TIMES (USA), BBC NEWS (UK)

TOKYO - Japan’s new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has unveiled his Cabinet lineup, as he begins the task of resuscitating the country’s economy.

Parliament voted Shinzo Abe back to power after Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda resigned Wednesday, ending the country’s three-year break from decades of near-constant rule by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

[rebelmouse-image 27086114 alt="""" original_size="501x600" expand=1]

Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe - Photo: TTTNIS

Abe, who led the LDP to a landslide victory in this month's general election, has formed a new Cabinet that includes several of his close associates, most of whom are economic policy veterans, according to Japan’s Asahi Shimbun.

It is Japan’s seventh change in prime ministers in six years – a sign of Japan’s inability to face its economic difficulties, its industrial decline but also the challenge of an increasingly assertive China, according to The New York Times.

The Japan Times depicts Abe as a hawkish, right-of-centre leader. His previous term in office ended ignominiously amid falling popularity and a resignation on grounds of ill health, BBC News recalls.

An outspoken nationalist, Abe, 58, has vowed to defend Japan’s control of the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea – islands that are also claimed by China – although The Asahi Shimbun reports that Abe has backed off his call to permanently base civil servants on the islands.

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Geopolitics

China's Military Intentions Are Clear — And Arming Taiwan Is The Only Deterrence

China is spending more money on weapons and defense than ever. The reason is evident: Xi Jinping wants to take Taiwan. Europe should follow the U.S. and support Taipei militarily as the only way to deter Beijing from war.

Photo of Military drills in Taiwan amid rising China-U.S. Tensions

Taiwanese soldiers stand guard at a base during a military drill simulating defense operations against a possible Chinese PLA intrusion

Gregor Schwung

-OpEd-

BERLIN — Fear is never the best advisor.

It is, however, an understandable emotion when China announces the biggest increase in its defense budget in memory. And when Beijing does so after siding with Russia in the Ukraine war with its supposed "peace plan" and justifying the increase with an alleged "escalating oppression" of China in the world.

The budget plan unveiled by outgoing Premier Li Keqiang calls for a 7.2% increase in defense spending. That's more than in previous years — and just the official figure.

Experts estimate the true spending is much higher, as Beijing finances its military through numerous shadow budgets.

Keep reading...Show less

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

The latest