US President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.&nbsp;

Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-makes-first-white-house-appointment-names-klain-as-chief-of-staff-342522">Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff</a>

In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-of-america-is-back-in-the-game-joe-biden-tells-world-leaders-342283">United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders</a>

Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team.

In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades.

Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change.

South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in.&nbsp;

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In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times.&nbsp;

However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies".

Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region. Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory. Also read | Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials. Also read | United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team. In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades. Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change. South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in. × In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times. However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies". Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.

Joe Biden dials Asian Pacific allies, reassures American commitments

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday declared war against an&nbsp;ink stamp known as Hanko.

Hanko seals are used on administrative documents, a custom that has been reprimanded as obsolete and necessitating face-to-face interaction that risks spreading the coronavirus.

It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-suicides-up-to-highest-level-in-5-years-due-to-coronavirus-related-economic-woes-342143" hreflang="en">Japan: Suicides up to highest level in 5 years due to coronavirus-related economic woes</a>

Now, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is on a push to digitise the nation, but he faces an uphill struggle when it comes to the stamps, which range from mass-produced plastic ones to hand-carved wooden versions used on special occasions.

"I need all services to accumulate a thorough survey of their authoritative strategies sooner rather than later," Suga told a gathering of the Council for Promotion of Regulatory Reform, a warning board of individuals from the private area and scholastics.&nbsp;

It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval.

Stamp it out&nbsp;

As the seals should be squeezed onto actual duplicates of records, they are viewed as preventing endeavors to keep up social separating in the midst of the COVID-19 emergency.&nbsp;

Of the in excess of 10,000 kinds of authoritative techniques that require Hanko, beyond what 90% can be disentangled, as indicated by Taro Kono, the administrative reform minister.

Kono has said he plans to submit enactment to deliver the issue to the following year's common Diet meeting, and that he likewise needs to lessen the utilization of fax machines.&nbsp;

At Wednesday's gathering, Suga focused on the requirement for online clinical meetings, which have been liberated as an uncommon measure against the Covid, to turn into a lasting choice.&nbsp;

The PM, who got down to business in mid-September, likewise emphasized his push for separation figuring out how to be made all the more broadly accessible, saying such innovation "should be exploited in the advanced age."

Seal of approval

Having the whole team's stamps shows a collective decision has been made, Watanabe said.

"It's like, 'I stamped my seal to approve it but you did it before me, so you should be held liable'," explained accountant Tetsuya Katayama.

"No one wants to take responsibility in Japan," he said.

Watanabe warned that the government's anti-hanko campaign will founder unless Japanese workers can break out of that mentality.

"Even if they digitise paperwork, they will end up pressing computer buttons as many times (as they stamped)," he said.

"People have to steel themselves to take certain responsibility."

At the All Japan Hanko Industry Association, senior official Keiichi Fukushima is a perhaps unlikely advocate for scaling back stamping.

"People have used hanko stamps just for the sake of stamping," he concedes.

Insisting they are used only when necessary will clarify when they're actually needed and "may be a good chance to prove how important the custom of hanko is".

&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday declared war against an ink stamp known as Hanko. Hanko seals are used on administrative documents, a custom that has been reprimanded as obsolete and necessitating face-to-face interaction that risks spreading the coronavirus.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday declared war against an ink stamp known as Hanko. Hanko seals are used on administrative documents, a custom that has been reprimanded as obsolete and necessitating face-to-face interaction that risks spreading the coronavirus. It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval. Also read: Japan: Suicides up to highest level in 5 years due to coronavirus-related economic woes Now, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is on a push to digitise the nation, but he faces an uphill struggle when it comes to the stamps, which range from mass-produced plastic ones to hand-carved wooden versions used on special occasions. "I need all services to accumulate a thorough survey of their authoritative strategies sooner rather than later," Suga told a gathering of the Council for Promotion of Regulatory Reform, a warning board of individuals from the private area and scholastics. It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval. Stamp it out As the seals should be squeezed onto actual duplicates of records, they are viewed as preventing endeavors to keep up social separating in the midst of the COVID-19 emergency. Of the in excess of 10,000 kinds of authoritative techniques that require Hanko, beyond what 90% can be disentangled, as indicated by Taro Kono, the administrative reform minister. Kono has said he plans to submit enactment to deliver the issue to the following year's common Diet meeting, and that he likewise needs to lessen the utilization of fax machines. At Wednesday's gathering, Suga focused on the requirement for online clinical meetings, which have been liberated as an uncommon measure against the Covid, to turn into a lasting choice. The PM, who got down to business in mid-September, likewise emphasized his push for separation figuring out how to be made all the more broadly accessible, saying such innovation "should be exploited in the advanced age." Seal of approval Having the whole team's stamps shows a collective decision has been made, Watanabe said. "It's like, 'I stamped my seal to approve it but you did it before me, so you should be held liable'," explained accountant Tetsuya Katayama. "No one wants to take responsibility in Japan," he said. Watanabe warned that the government's anti-hanko campaign will founder unless Japanese workers can break out of that mentality. "Even if they digitise paperwork, they will end up pressing computer buttons as many times (as they stamped)," he said. "People have to steel themselves to take certain responsibility." At the All Japan Hanko Industry Association, senior official Keiichi Fukushima is a perhaps unlikely advocate for scaling back stamping. "People have used hanko stamps just for the sake of stamping," he concedes. Insisting they are used only when necessary will clarify when they're actually needed and "may be a good chance to prove how important the custom of hanko is".

Paradoxical? Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declares war on ink stamp 'hanko'

Japan&nbsp;on Monday set a 2050 deadline&nbsp;for the world's third-largest economy to&nbsp;attain&nbsp;a zero-emissions, carbon-neutral society,&nbsp;significantly firming up the country's climate change commitments.

Tokyo had previously said it would achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible in the second half of the century, rather than set an explicit target, and its swing brings it into line with the European Union, which set a carbon neutrality target of 2050 last year.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-release-radioactive-water-from-fukushima-nuclear-plant-into-sea-report-335626">Japan to release radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into sea: Report</a>

"Responding to climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth," Suga said in a prepared speech, his first policy address to parliament since taking office last month.

"We need to change our thinking to the view that taking assertive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about great growth."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/underground-parthenon-protecting-tokyo-from-floods-334941">Underground 'Parthenon' protecting Tokyo from floods</a>

Japan is the world's fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, and while moves are being made to increase renewable energy, the country also plans to roll out new coal stations.

Suga did give a precise timeline for how Japan, a country still heavily reliant on coal, will achieve the goal but said the technology would be essential.

"The key is innovation," Suga said, citing examples including next-generation solar batteries.

He said Japan would also push the use of renewable energy and nuclear power, stressing that safety would be a priority,&nbsp;a key point in a country that suffered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Japan, which is a signatory to the Paris agreement, was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse emissions in 2018, according to the International Energy Agency.

Tokyo has been struggling to cut carbon emissions after shutting down its nuclear reactors following the 2011 meltdown in Fukushima sparked by a devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Reliance on fossil fuels like coal increased in Japan after the Fukushima disaster, as public anger over the accident pushed all of the country's nuclear reactors offline temporarily.

Japan on Monday set a 2050 deadline for the world's third-largest economy to attain a zero-emissions, carbon-neutral society, significantly firming up the country's climate change commitments.

Japan on Monday set a 2050 deadline for the world's third-largest economy to attain a zero-emissions, carbon-neutral society, significantly firming up the country's climate change commitments. Tokyo had previously said it would achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible in the second half of the century, rather than set an explicit target, and its swing brings it into line with the European Union, which set a carbon neutrality target of 2050 last year. Also read| Japan to release radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into sea: Report "Responding to climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth," Suga said in a prepared speech, his first policy address to parliament since taking office last month. "We need to change our thinking to the view that taking assertive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about great growth." Also see: Underground 'Parthenon' protecting Tokyo from floods Japan is the world's fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, and while moves are being made to increase renewable energy, the country also plans to roll out new coal stations. Suga did give a precise timeline for how Japan, a country still heavily reliant on coal, will achieve the goal but said the technology would be essential. "The key is innovation," Suga said, citing examples including next-generation solar batteries. He said Japan would also push the use of renewable energy and nuclear power, stressing that safety would be a priority, a key point in a country that suffered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japan, which is a signatory to the Paris agreement, was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse emissions in 2018, according to the International Energy Agency. Tokyo has been struggling to cut carbon emissions after shutting down its nuclear reactors following the 2011 meltdown in Fukushima sparked by a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Reliance on fossil fuels like coal increased in Japan after the Fukushima disaster, as public anger over the accident pushed all of the country's nuclear reactors offline temporarily.

Japan announces deadline for attaining zero-emissions, carbon neutral society

Japan on Wednesday&nbsp;opposed&nbsp;any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga&nbsp;took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-chinese-submarine-parked-near-south-china-sea-322224">Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea</a>

A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters.

“In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.”

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/south-china-sea-row-why-us-has-deployed-warship-uss-nimitz-in-naval-exercise-with-india-314673">South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India</a>

Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat.

Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard.

The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence.

China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development.

"Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles.

Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe.

"Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea.

Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region.

Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon.

A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways. Also see: Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters. “In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.” Also see: South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat. Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard. The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence. China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development. "Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles. Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe. "Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea. Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing. But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region. Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon. A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

South China Sea: Japan's Prime Miniter Yoshihide Suga opposes actions that escalate tensions

Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga is in Vietnam amid Chinese aggression in South China sea. The two countries have reached on agreements to strengthen security and economic ties.

WION Dispatch: Japan,Vietnam exchange agreements on transfer of defence gear

Japanese, Vietnam PMs agree on importance of peace

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, reached a defence agreement "in principle"&nbsp;amid tensions with China over the South China Sea region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-suga-arrives-in-vietnam-on-first-foreign-visit-amid-tensions-with-china-336314">Also Read:&nbsp;Japanese PM Suga arrives in Vietnam on first foreign visit amid tensions with China</a>

Japan is set to export military gear and technology to Vietnam, it was announced as Japanese Prime Minister Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit which was his first visit to a foreign country.

"The development of Japan-Vietnam relations for the future. It is a big step in the field of security for both countries that we reached an agreement in principle on the transfers of defence equipment and technology," PM Suga said.

"We agreed on restarting "business track" travel as well as passenger flights between the two countries. We advance the diversification of supply chains," the Japanese prime minister added.

Vietnam PM&nbsp;Nguyen Xuan Phuc meanwhile asserted that the two countries reaffirmed the importance of "maintaining safety, stability and freedom of navigation, both over the water and air in the South China Sea."

"We agreed to promote dispute solving through peaceful solutions, restrain from use of force or threaten to use force, abiding to international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in reference to China which is locked in a dispute with several east Asian countries in the South China Sea including Vietnam.

PM Suga stressed the importance of cooperation amid the impact coronavirus pandemic which has severely hit both economies as both countries.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to fly out to Indonia next where he is set to meet President&nbsp;Joko . PM Suga had taken over as Japan's prime minister last month after former prime minister Shinzo Abe resigned due to illness.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, reached a defence agreement "in principle" amid tensions with China over the South China Sea region.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, reached a defence agreement "in principle" amid tensions with China over the South China Sea region. Also Read: Japanese PM Suga arrives in Vietnam on first foreign visit amid tensions with China Japan is set to export military gear and technology to Vietnam, it was announced as Japanese Prime Minister Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit which was his first visit to a foreign country. "The development of Japan-Vietnam relations for the future. It is a big step in the field of security for both countries that we reached an agreement in principle on the transfers of defence equipment and technology," PM Suga said. "We agreed on restarting "business track" travel as well as passenger flights between the two countries. We advance the diversification of supply chains," the Japanese prime minister added. Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc meanwhile asserted that the two countries reaffirmed the importance of "maintaining safety, stability and freedom of navigation, both over the water and air in the South China Sea." "We agreed to promote dispute solving through peaceful solutions, restrain from use of force or threaten to use force, abiding to international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in reference to China which is locked in a dispute with several east Asian countries in the South China Sea including Vietnam. PM Suga stressed the importance of cooperation amid the impact coronavirus pandemic which has severely hit both economies as both countries. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to fly out to Indonia next where he is set to meet President Joko . PM Suga had taken over as Japan's prime minister last month after former prime minister Shinzo Abe resigned due to illness.

'Freedom of navigation in South China Sea': Japan to transfer defence gear to Vietnam amid South China Sea tensions

Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, leaves today on his first overseas foray since taking over from Shinzo Abe last month, heading to Vietnam and Indonesia.

Japan opens another anti-China front; PM Yoshihide Suga departs for Vietnam

United States' Secretary of States Mike Pompeo slammed China over COVID-19 Quad Foreign Ministers' meet in presence of India's Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar. Mike Pompeo also discussed post-COVID world order.

Mike Pompeo slams China over COVID-19 in Quad Foreign Ministers' meet

Pompeo's trip comes despite the coronavirus crisis gripping Washington, which has seen President Donald Trump and a raft of his closest staff and advisors test positive for Covid-19.

Pompeo hails Japan PM Yoshihide Suga 'Force for good' during his visit to Tokyo

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his American counterpart, Mike Pompeo, on the sidelines of the Quad ministerial meeting on October 6.

QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meet: EAM S Jaishankar says India, US will work for stability in Indo-Pacific

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have met in Tokyo. While they have been in touch with each other for past few months, amid the COVID crisis--this is the first in-person meeting between the two.

QUAD Foreign ministers' meet: Indian external affairs Min meets US Secy of State

New Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is under fire for rejecting six scholars for membership in a science advisory body set up after World War Two, a move critics say violates the constitution's principle of academic freedom.

Suga, who took office last month after Shinzo Abe resigned, has enjoyed high support among voters who approve of his promises to deregulate, reduce mobile phone rates and digitalise services as he tries to revive the economy and contain COVID-19.

But Suga's rejection of the six scholars, some of whom are known for criticising past Abe policies, could stoke a furore that threatens his honeymoon with voters.

At issue is the influential 210-member Science Council of Japan (SCJ), set up after World War Two to provide independent scientific policy input. The body had included the six rejected scholars among 105 recommended for membership.

Half of the council's members are chosen every three years.

Among the policies the rejected scholars had criticised are Abe's reinterpretation of the pacifist constitution to allow troops to fight overseas, a historic shift for Japan's defence policies, and a 2013 state secrets act that sparked concerns about media freedom.

Suga told reporters on Friday that his decision was "the result of an appropriate response based on the law."

Since 1983, the prime minister has appointed members based upon SCJ recommendations, and there is no precedent for rejecting those recommendations, political analysts said.

"The constitution of Japan has a specific article just for academic freedom, which is ... a direct result of wartime control of academia and science by the militarists," said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano.

The council, which tangled with Abe's government in 2017 after taking a sceptical stance on academic research with potential military uses, has demanded Suga explain his decision and appoint the six scholars.

"I don't know at all why I was not appointed," one of the scholars, Waseda Law School professor Masanori Okada, told Reuters. "What I wrote (in the past) was that the government should act in accordance with the law. ... That is only natural."

Some conservatives have blasted the SCJ for what they say is a China-friendly stance. Okada denied the group has any special relationship with Beijing.

University of Tokyo political science professor Shigeki Uno declined to comment directly on his rejection but stressed the importance of freedom of speech.

"The greatest strength of a democratic society is its ability to be open to criticism and constantly modify itself," he said in a statement to the media.

Opposition parties have attacked the decision and demanded a public explanation from Suga.

New Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is under fire for rejecting six scholars for membership in a science advisory body set up after World War Two, a move critics say violates the constitution's principle of academic freedom.

New Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is under fire for rejecting six scholars for membership in a science advisory body set up after World War Two, a move critics say violates the constitution's principle of academic freedom. Suga, who took office last month after Shinzo Abe resigned, has enjoyed high support among voters who approve of his promises to deregulate, reduce mobile phone rates and digitalise services as he tries to revive the economy and contain COVID-19. But Suga's rejection of the six scholars, some of whom are known for criticising past Abe policies, could stoke a furore that threatens his honeymoon with voters. At issue is the influential 210-member Science Council of Japan (SCJ), set up after World War Two to provide independent scientific policy input. The body had included the six rejected scholars among 105 recommended for membership. Half of the council's members are chosen every three years. Among the policies the rejected scholars had criticised are Abe's reinterpretation of the pacifist constitution to allow troops to fight overseas, a historic shift for Japan's defence policies, and a 2013 state secrets act that sparked concerns about media freedom. Suga told reporters on Friday that his decision was "the result of an appropriate response based on the law." Since 1983, the prime minister has appointed members based upon SCJ recommendations, and there is no precedent for rejecting those recommendations, political analysts said. "The constitution of Japan has a specific article just for academic freedom, which is ... a direct result of wartime control of academia and science by the militarists," said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano. The council, which tangled with Abe's government in 2017 after taking a sceptical stance on academic research with potential military uses, has demanded Suga explain his decision and appoint the six scholars. "I don't know at all why I was not appointed," one of the scholars, Waseda Law School professor Masanori Okada, told Reuters. "What I wrote (in the past) was that the government should act in accordance with the law. ... That is only natural." Some conservatives have blasted the SCJ for what they say is a China-friendly stance. Okada denied the group has any special relationship with Beijing. University of Tokyo political science professor Shigeki Uno declined to comment directly on his rejection but stressed the importance of freedom of speech. "The greatest strength of a democratic society is its ability to be open to criticism and constantly modify itself," he said in a statement to the media. Opposition parties have attacked the decision and demanded a public explanation from Suga.

Japan PM Suga under fire after rejecting scholars for advisory body

As the tensions between China and Japan increased in the East China Sea, Liu Qingbin, an associate professor said that Beijing offered an olive branch to Tokyo by reducing its naval presence in the area but was snubbed when Japan hired fishing boats to go into the disputed waters, resulting in skirmishes between the two sides.

Your Story: Japan snubs China's olive branch on Senkaku islands

Amid reports of Chinese foreign minister seeking to meet Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, &nbsp;a Japanese academician has claimed that the&nbsp;government rejected an offer from China to reduce tensions in the disputed East China Sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-targets-south-china-sea-rivals-with-vaccine-diplomacy-327773">Also Read:&nbsp;Now, China targets South China Sea rivals with vaccine diplomacy</a>

Japan has been concerned over Chinese naval activities in the East China Sea. Professor Liu Qingbin from Yokohama National University in Japan told a newspaper that China had almost completely stopped activities in the East China Sea ahead of President Xi's visit in April but it could not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Suga had earlier held a telephonic conversation with President Xi as the Japanese prime minister stressed on the importance of stable Japan-China ties.

Shinzo Abe was the Japanese prime minister at the time as reports claimed that China reduced its activities in Diaoyu Islands, which Japan calls the Senkaku Islands. However, &nbsp;Liu asserted that the peace moves were met with hostility as Japan's right-wing groups reportedly hired fishing boats and entered the East China Sea region leading to clashes.

Shinzo Abe stepped down earlier this month over health reasons making way for Liberal Democratic Party's Suga. Abe had visited Beijing in earlier in October 2018.

The new prime minister of Japan said that he had agreed to pursue high-level contacts with President Xi during his talks with Xi.

"Stable relations are important not just for our countries but for the region and the international community. I want to fulfil that responsibility," Suga told pubic broadcaster NHK after speaking Xi.

Amid reports of Chinese foreign minister seeking to meet Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, a Japanese academician has claimed that the government rejected an offer from China to reduce tensions in the disputed East China Sea.

Amid reports of Chinese foreign minister seeking to meet Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, a Japanese academician has claimed that the government rejected an offer from China to reduce tensions in the disputed East China Sea. Also Read: Now, China targets South China Sea rivals with vaccine diplomacy Japan has been concerned over Chinese naval activities in the East China Sea. Professor Liu Qingbin from Yokohama National University in Japan told a newspaper that China had almost completely stopped activities in the East China Sea ahead of President Xi's visit in April but it could not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Suga had earlier held a telephonic conversation with President Xi as the Japanese prime minister stressed on the importance of stable Japan-China ties. Shinzo Abe was the Japanese prime minister at the time as reports claimed that China reduced its activities in Diaoyu Islands, which Japan calls the Senkaku Islands. However, Liu asserted that the peace moves were met with hostility as Japan's right-wing groups reportedly hired fishing boats and entered the East China Sea region leading to clashes. Shinzo Abe stepped down earlier this month over health reasons making way for Liberal Democratic Party's Suga. Abe had visited Beijing in earlier in October 2018. The new prime minister of Japan said that he had agreed to pursue high-level contacts with President Xi during his talks with Xi. "Stable relations are important not just for our countries but for the region and the international community. I want to fulfil that responsibility," Suga told pubic broadcaster NHK after speaking Xi.

Japanese academic claims Abe government snubbed President Xi's East China Sea peace offer

Japan snubs China's peace offer | Senkaku islands dispute

Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. This was both leaders'&nbsp;first talk with each other. Both leaders agreed that regional stability was the need of the hour.

"Stable relations are important not just for our countries but for the region and the international community. I want to fulfil that responsibility," Suga said in comments aired by pubic broadcaster NHK after he spoke with Xi on the telephone.

Xi said that China and Japan shared extensive common interests and that there was wide scope for cooperation.

Both China and Japan are locked in a dispute over an island in the South China Sea. Japan maintains that it has sovereignty pn Senkaku Island. China calls the island Diaoyu and has a similar claim of sovereignty.

China hopes both countries will jointly maintain a stable supply chain and fair and open investment environments, China's state broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi as saying.

Suga, who became prime minister this month and has little diplomatic experience, must manage relations with Japan's bigger neighbour as tension between China and the United States increases amid the coronavirus pandemic and lingering trade friction. Suga spoke on the phone to U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday.

Japan, a close U.S. ally, is also embroiled in a dispute with China over the ownership of islands in the East China Sea, and is concerned about an uptick in Chinese military activity in the region.

A planned state visit by Xi to Japan earlier this year was cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Suga said he did not discuss rescheduling the visit during the call with Xi.

(With Reuters input)

Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. This was both leaders' first talk with each other. Both leaders agreed that regional stability was the need of the hour.

Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. This was both leaders' first talk with each other. Both leaders agreed that regional stability was the need of the hour. "Stable relations are important not just for our countries but for the region and the international community. I want to fulfil that responsibility," Suga said in comments aired by pubic broadcaster NHK after he spoke with Xi on the telephone. Xi said that China and Japan shared extensive common interests and that there was wide scope for cooperation. Both China and Japan are locked in a dispute over an island in the South China Sea. Japan maintains that it has sovereignty pn Senkaku Island. China calls the island Diaoyu and has a similar claim of sovereignty. China hopes both countries will jointly maintain a stable supply chain and fair and open investment environments, China's state broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi as saying. Suga, who became prime minister this month and has little diplomatic experience, must manage relations with Japan's bigger neighbour as tension between China and the United States increases amid the coronavirus pandemic and lingering trade friction. Suga spoke on the phone to U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday. Japan, a close U.S. ally, is also embroiled in a dispute with China over the ownership of islands in the East China Sea, and is concerned about an uptick in Chinese military activity in the region. A planned state visit by Xi to Japan earlier this year was cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak. Suga said he did not discuss rescheduling the visit during the call with Xi. (With Reuters input)

Japanese PM Suga speaks with Xi Jinping, both agree on need for regional stability

Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday called for better ties with South Korea in talks with President Moon Jae-in, the first in months between leaders of the countries.

Suga, who took office last week, said he told Moon in a phone call that the countries must repair their "difficult" bilateral relations, which are mired in a long-running dispute over issues dating back Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula.

"To President Moon, I said we must not leave unattended the current extremely difficult bilateral relations, which are being harmed by various problems," Suga told reporters at his office in Tokyo after the call.

But Suga made clear he saw the ball as being in Seoul's court when it comes to resolving the disputes, including over compensation for the use of forced labour by Japan during its wartime occupation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/continuity-economy-and-militarism-japans-new-pm-yoshihide-suga-has-his-plate-full-328226">Also read:&nbsp;Continuity, economy and militarism: Japan's new PM Yoshihide Suga has his plate full</a>

"Based on Japan's consistent position on various issues, I want to continue urging South Korea to take appropriate actions," he said.

Suga took office last week after the resignation of Shinzo Abe. The call was the first time the leaders of the two countries have spoken since Abe and Moon met last December in China.

Japan and South Korea have long had uneasy diplomatic relations, with ties coloured by the history of Tokyo's brutal colonisation of the peninsula through the end of World War II.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-man-strays-in-pyongyang-waters-shot-cremated-by-north-korea-329836">Also read:&nbsp;South Korean man strays in Pyongyang waters; shot &amp; cremated by North Korea</a>

In recent years, Tokyo and Seoul have imposed reciprocal trade sanctions and clashed over a wide range of issues including wartime sex slavery and forced labour.

In 2018, the South Korean Supreme Court ruled that victims of forced labour had a right to seek compensation from Tokyo.

Japan argues the issue was settled by a 1965 treaty that normalised bilateral relations and urged the South Korean government to deal the ruling, which Tokyo said violated the treaty.

Suga said he and Moon also discussed cooperation in the fight against coronavirus, as well as dealing with North Korea, and strengthening policy coordination between the two US allies and Washington.

Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday called for better ties with South Korea in talks with President Moon Jae-in, the first in months between leaders of the countries.

Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday called for better ties with South Korea in talks with President Moon Jae-in, the first in months between leaders of the countries. Suga, who took office last week, said he told Moon in a phone call that the countries must repair their "difficult" bilateral relations, which are mired in a long-running dispute over issues dating back Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula. "To President Moon, I said we must not leave unattended the current extremely difficult bilateral relations, which are being harmed by various problems," Suga told reporters at his office in Tokyo after the call. But Suga made clear he saw the ball as being in Seoul's court when it comes to resolving the disputes, including over compensation for the use of forced labour by Japan during its wartime occupation. Also read: Continuity, economy and militarism: Japan's new PM Yoshihide Suga has his plate full "Based on Japan's consistent position on various issues, I want to continue urging South Korea to take appropriate actions," he said. Suga took office last week after the resignation of Shinzo Abe. The call was the first time the leaders of the two countries have spoken since Abe and Moon met last December in China. Japan and South Korea have long had uneasy diplomatic relations, with ties coloured by the history of Tokyo's brutal colonisation of the peninsula through the end of World War II. Also read: South Korean man strays in Pyongyang waters; shot & cremated by North Korea In recent years, Tokyo and Seoul have imposed reciprocal trade sanctions and clashed over a wide range of issues including wartime sex slavery and forced labour. In 2018, the South Korean Supreme Court ruled that victims of forced labour had a right to seek compensation from Tokyo. Japan argues the issue was settled by a 1965 treaty that normalised bilateral relations and urged the South Korean government to deal the ruling, which Tokyo said violated the treaty. Suga said he and Moon also discussed cooperation in the fight against coronavirus, as well as dealing with North Korea, and strengthening policy coordination between the two US allies and Washington.

Japan PM urges better ties in call with South Korea's Moon

Sri Lanka's president has ordered the termination of a $1.5-billion Japanese-funded light rail project, saying it is not a "cost-effective solution" for the congested capital Colombo, officials said Thursday.

The deal signed under the previous government is the largest single foreign-funded infrastructure project in Sri Lanka, and was seen as a sign of the island nation reducing its dependence on China.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected last year, told the transport ministry to "terminate this project and close the project office with immediate effect", top aide P.B. Jayasundara said in a letter to the ministry.

There was no immediate comment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which in March last year loaned 30 billion yen ($285 million) to finance the first phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT).

Japanese technology including rolling stock was to be used on the rail system, which included 16 stations over 15.7 kilometres (9.8 miles).

Detailed planning and land acquisition for the project in Colombo, which has some of the worst traffic congestion in South Asia, had already been completed and initial construction was under way.

The Japanese loan carries an interest rate of 0.1 percent and is repayable over 40 years with a 12-year grace period. Japan has already funded sections of new expressways and a key bridge to reduce traffic congestion in and out of the capital.

Under former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the incumbent's brother, Sri Lanka borrowed billions of dollars from China for projects including ports,&nbsp;highways and railways.

But several ended up as white elephants and left the country facing a mountain of debt, mainly to China, stoking fears about Beijing's "Belt and Road" masterplan for overseas infrastructure.

Unable to service its loans, the then government of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe leased a Chinese-built port at Hambantota in the island's south to a Beijing company for $1.12 billion in 2017.

Sri Lanka's president has ordered the termination of a $1.5-billion Japanese-funded light rail project, saying it is not a "cost-effective solution" for the congested capital Colombo, officials said Thursday.

Sri Lanka's president has ordered the termination of a $1.5-billion Japanese-funded light rail project, saying it is not a "cost-effective solution" for the congested capital Colombo, officials said Thursday. The deal signed under the previous government is the largest single foreign-funded infrastructure project in Sri Lanka, and was seen as a sign of the island nation reducing its dependence on China. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected last year, told the transport ministry to "terminate this project and close the project office with immediate effect", top aide P.B. Jayasundara said in a letter to the ministry. There was no immediate comment from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which in March last year loaned 30 billion yen ($285 million) to finance the first phase of the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Japanese technology including rolling stock was to be used on the rail system, which included 16 stations over 15.7 kilometres (9.8 miles). Detailed planning and land acquisition for the project in Colombo, which has some of the worst traffic congestion in South Asia, had already been completed and initial construction was under way. The Japanese loan carries an interest rate of 0.1 percent and is repayable over 40 years with a 12-year grace period. Japan has already funded sections of new expressways and a key bridge to reduce traffic congestion in and out of the capital. Under former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the incumbent's brother, Sri Lanka borrowed billions of dollars from China for projects including ports, highways and railways. But several ended up as white elephants and left the country facing a mountain of debt, mainly to China, stoking fears about Beijing's "Belt and Road" masterplan for overseas infrastructure. Unable to service its loans, the then government of prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe leased a Chinese-built port at Hambantota in the island's south to a Beijing company for $1.12 billion in 2017.

Sri Lanka scraps $1.5 billion Japan-funded light rail system

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.&nbsp;

Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. &nbsp;Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet.&nbsp;

71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. &nbsp;However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention.&nbsp;

It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister.&nbsp;

The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms.

With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, &nbsp;Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. &nbsp;

Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well.&nbsp;

But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. &nbsp;

Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China.&nbsp;

That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward.

Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga

As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, &nbsp;an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example.

There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already.&nbsp;

Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray.

A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also.&nbsp;

Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan.&nbsp;

Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister.&nbsp;

Son of a strawberry farmer

Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. &nbsp;

What's in it for India?

This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. &nbsp;Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer.&nbsp;

It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour.&nbsp;

This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. &nbsp;India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability.

The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. &nbsp;

It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them?

Japan watches China

China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. &nbsp;South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well.&nbsp;

Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink.&nbsp;

China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions.&nbsp;

All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead.&nbsp;

Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop.

The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, &nbsp;if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader. Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet. 71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention. It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister. The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms. With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well. But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China. That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward. Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example. There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already. Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray. A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also. Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan. Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister. Son of a strawberry farmer Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. What's in it for India? This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer. It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour. This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability. The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them? Japan watches China China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well. Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink. China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions. All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead. Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop. The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Continuity, economy and militarism: Japan's new PM Yoshihide Suga has his plate full

Japanese ruling party leader Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote Wednesday, becoming the country’s first new premier in nearly eight years.

PM Suga's 5-step plan to revive Japanese economy

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister.

After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said&nbsp;"According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister."

Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-after-sweeping-party-poll-yoshihide-suga-reshuffles-ldp-leadership-327685" hreflang="en">Japan: After sweeping party poll, Yoshihide Suga reshuffles LDP leadership</a>

The 71-year-old&nbsp;is expected to announce his cabinet later Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Abe's &nbsp;government.

Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and kickstarting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Abe's key policy programmes.

Abe is ending his record-breaking tenure with a year left in his mandate, forced out by a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, a condition that has long plagued him.

Earlier, in a video posted on Twitter, he looked back at his record.

"Sadly, we were not able to achieve some goals," he said, in an apparent reference to his long-held desire to revise the pacifist constitution, something Suga does not seem eager to pursue. "However, we were able to take a shot at, and achieve, other divisive issues."

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…秘書です。 
安倍内閣官邸Twitter最終回の更新をリツイートいたします。 <a href="https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS">https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS</a>
— 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo/status/1306005187396419585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-yoshihide-suga-wins-party-leadership-race-headed-for-premiership-327400">Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership</a>

Abe and his cabinet resigned on Wednesday morning, paving the way for a vote in parliament in the early afternoon, which Suga is expected to easily win, given the ruling party's strong majority.

The 71-year-old has spent decades in politics, most recently as chief cabinet secretary, where he was known for pushing government policies through a sometimes intractable bureaucracy.

He has also been the face of the government, doggedly defending its policies as spokesman, including in sometimes testy exchanges with journalists.

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Suga's background, as the son of a strawberry farmer father and schoolteacher mother, sets him apart from the many blue blood political elites in his party and the Japanese political scene.

But while he has championed some measures intended to help rural areas like his hometown in northern Japan's Akita, his political views remain largely a mystery.

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister. After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said "According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister.

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister. After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said "According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister." Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner. Also read: Japan: After sweeping party poll, Yoshihide Suga reshuffles LDP leadership The 71-year-old is expected to announce his cabinet later Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Abe's government. Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and kickstarting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Abe's key policy programmes. Abe is ending his record-breaking tenure with a year left in his mandate, forced out by a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, a condition that has long plagued him. Earlier, in a video posted on Twitter, he looked back at his record. "Sadly, we were not able to achieve some goals," he said, in an apparent reference to his long-held desire to revise the pacifist constitution, something Suga does not seem eager to pursue. "However, we were able to take a shot at, and achieve, other divisive issues." …秘書です。 安倍内閣官邸Twitter最終回の更新をリツイートいたします。 https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS — 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) September 15, 2020 × Also read| Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership Abe and his cabinet resigned on Wednesday morning, paving the way for a vote in parliament in the early afternoon, which Suga is expected to easily win, given the ruling party's strong majority. The 71-year-old has spent decades in politics, most recently as chief cabinet secretary, where he was known for pushing government policies through a sometimes intractable bureaucracy. He has also been the face of the government, doggedly defending its policies as spokesman, including in sometimes testy exchanges with journalists. × Suga's background, as the son of a strawberry farmer father and schoolteacher mother, sets him apart from the many blue blood political elites in his party and the Japanese political scene. But while he has championed some measures intended to help rural areas like his hometown in northern Japan's Akita, his political views remain largely a mystery.

Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister

What does Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga bring to the table? Will he build on the India-Japan friendship which reached unprecedented highs under Shinzo Abe? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Meet Japan's next Prime Minister

Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide&nbsp;Suga, who is set to become the country's next prime minister, is mulling to reshuffle his cabinet after winning&nbsp;a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election due to which&nbsp;

Suga is planning to appoint&nbsp;Katsunobu Kato as the next&nbsp;chief cabinet secretary while retaining other&nbsp;key cabinet ministers and party officials in their posts,&nbsp;as he had promised.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-yoshihide-suga-wins-party-leadership-race-headed-for-premiership-327400">Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership</a>

The 71-year-old faces a vast array of challenges, including tackling COVID-19 while reviving a battered economy and dealing with a rapidly aging society in which nearly a third of the population is older than 65.

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Finance Minister Taro Aso and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi are likely to stay in their positions, according to multiple media reports. Yasutoshi Nishimura is likely to be reappointed as economy minister.

Defence Minister Taro Kono is seen becoming interior minister and Nobuo Kishi, an LDP lawmaker who is Abe's younger brother, will take up the defence portfolio, Kyodo news agency said.

Toshihiro Nikai, who was instrumental in helping&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;cement the support of LDP members and was re-appointed as the party's secretary-general, told a news conference that the top priority is dealing with the coronavirus, a view echoed by party policy chief Hakubun Shimomura.

"We will do everything we can to secure the vaccines and the medications to protect the people's lives and health, as well as support medical institutions," said Shimomura, a former education minister, adding that reviving the economy would be given nearly equal weight.

Suga&nbsp;may name Health Minister Katsunobu Kato, who has become well known to the public as the face of Japan's efforts to tackle the coronavirus, as chief cabinet secretary, Nippon TV said. Kato is close to&nbsp;Suga, under whom he served as deputy chief cabinet secretary.

"Many different elements are needed,"&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;said on Monday when asked about who should replace him. "One is their fit with the prime minister, but thinking about it overall, they also need to have broad strengths, that will be the most calming."

Suga&nbsp;is virtually certain to be elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday because of the LDP's lower-house majority. He will serve out Abe's term as party leader through September 2021.

Known more for his work behind the scenes,&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;emerged as favourite to replace Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, after Abe said last month he would resign because of ill health.

There is widespread speculation that&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;could take advantage of strong support ratings to dissolve the lower house of parliament and call snap elections to earn a full three-year term as LDP head, but he appears wary.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga, who is set to become the country's next prime minister, is mulling to reshuffle his cabinet after winning a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election due to which Suga is planning to appoint Katsunobu Kato as the next chief cabinet secretary while retaining other key cabinet ministers and party officials in their posts, as he had promised.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga, who is set to become the country's next prime minister, is mulling to reshuffle his cabinet after winning a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election due to which Suga is planning to appoint Katsunobu Kato as the next chief cabinet secretary while retaining other key cabinet ministers and party officials in their posts, as he had promised. Also read| Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership The 71-year-old faces a vast array of challenges, including tackling COVID-19 while reviving a battered economy and dealing with a rapidly aging society in which nearly a third of the population is older than 65. Finance Minister Taro Aso and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi are likely to stay in their positions, according to multiple media reports. Yasutoshi Nishimura is likely to be reappointed as economy minister. Defence Minister Taro Kono is seen becoming interior minister and Nobuo Kishi, an LDP lawmaker who is Abe's younger brother, will take up the defence portfolio, Kyodo news agency said. Toshihiro Nikai, who was instrumental in helping Suga cement the support of LDP members and was re-appointed as the party's secretary-general, told a news conference that the top priority is dealing with the coronavirus, a view echoed by party policy chief Hakubun Shimomura. "We will do everything we can to secure the vaccines and the medications to protect the people's lives and health, as well as support medical institutions," said Shimomura, a former education minister, adding that reviving the economy would be given nearly equal weight. Suga may name Health Minister Katsunobu Kato, who has become well known to the public as the face of Japan's efforts to tackle the coronavirus, as chief cabinet secretary, Nippon TV said. Kato is close to Suga, under whom he served as deputy chief cabinet secretary. "Many different elements are needed," Suga said on Monday when asked about who should replace him. "One is their fit with the prime minister, but thinking about it overall, they also need to have broad strengths, that will be the most calming." Suga is virtually certain to be elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday because of the LDP's lower-house majority. He will serve out Abe's term as party leader through September 2021. Known more for his work behind the scenes, Suga emerged as favourite to replace Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, after Abe said last month he would resign because of ill health. There is widespread speculation that Suga could take advantage of strong support ratings to dissolve the lower house of parliament and call snap elections to earn a full three-year term as LDP head, but he appears wary.

Japan: After sweeping party poll, Yoshihide Suga reshuffles LDP leadership

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, won a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election on Monday, paving the way for him to replace Abe this week.

Suga&nbsp;easily won the vote, taking 377 of the 534 valid votes cast by Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers and regional representatives, significantly ahead of his two rivals.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622">Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

Given his party's legislative majority, he is expected to handily win a parliamentary vote Wednesday and become prime minister, succeeding Abe, who is resigning for health reasons.

Suga thanked Abe and vowed to push ahead with reforms. Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, said last month that he would resign because of ill health, ending nearly eight years in office.

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"I was born as the oldest son of a farmer in Akita," Suga said. "Without any knowledge or blood ties, I launched into the world of politics, starting from zero - and have been able to become leader of the LDP, with all its traditions and history."

"I will devote all of myself to work for Japan and its citizens," he added.

Suga has said he would continue Abe's signature "Abenomics" strategy of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms while juggling the problems of COVID-19 and a slumping economy, and confronting longer-term issues such as Japan's ageing population and low birth rate.

Even before he formally announced his run, the 71-year-old&nbsp;Suga had won the support of key factions within the ruling party, with his candidacy viewed as promising stability.

The LDP chose to poll only its lawmakers in parliament and three representatives from each of the country's 47 regions, eschewing a broader ballot including rank-and-file members that officials said would have taken too long to organise.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, won a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election on Monday, paving the way for him to replace Abe this week.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, won a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election on Monday, paving the way for him to replace Abe this week. Suga easily won the vote, taking 377 of the 534 valid votes cast by Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers and regional representatives, significantly ahead of his two rivals. Also see: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Given his party's legislative majority, he is expected to handily win a parliamentary vote Wednesday and become prime minister, succeeding Abe, who is resigning for health reasons. Suga thanked Abe and vowed to push ahead with reforms. Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, said last month that he would resign because of ill health, ending nearly eight years in office. "I was born as the oldest son of a farmer in Akita," Suga said. "Without any knowledge or blood ties, I launched into the world of politics, starting from zero - and have been able to become leader of the LDP, with all its traditions and history." "I will devote all of myself to work for Japan and its citizens," he added. Suga has said he would continue Abe's signature "Abenomics" strategy of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms while juggling the problems of COVID-19 and a slumping economy, and confronting longer-term issues such as Japan's ageing population and low birth rate. Even before he formally announced his run, the 71-year-old Suga had won the support of key factions within the ruling party, with his candidacy viewed as promising stability. The LDP chose to poll only its lawmakers in parliament and three representatives from each of the country's 47 regions, eschewing a broader ballot including rank-and-file members that officials said would have taken too long to organise.

Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership

Yoshihide Suga is almost certain to become the country's next Prime Minister, as Japan's governing party has chosen Suga as its new leader to succeed Shinzo Abe.

Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary, set to become new Prime Minister of Japan

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption.

According to a poll published by a local daily newspaper on Thursday, Suga is the frontrunner in the election race, as around 44 per cent survey-takers said they would like to see Suga replacing Abe.

The longest-serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had to step down from his post last month confirming the rumours doing rounds about&nbsp;his ill-health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abes-longtime-aid-yoshihide-suga-to-run-for-leadership-race-324791">Also read:&nbsp;Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race</a>

The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win. The prediction has been supported by the poll as 36 per cent said they would like to see the former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba replacing Abe, whereas 44 per cent supported Suga.

September 08 was the last day for leaders to file their nomination, and the leaders are now allowed to start campaigning for the race.

The poll was conducted by the&nbsp;Social Survey Research Centre and was published in a local daily newspaper&nbsp; Mainichi Shimbun.

The poll has come few days after Suga hinted pushing for snap elections and said he is hopeful about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-suga-hopeful-about-tokyo-olympic-games-amid-falling-economy-325911">Tokyo Olympic Games</a>.&nbsp;”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption. According to a poll published by a local daily newspaper on Thursday, Suga is the frontrunner in the election race, as around 44 per cent survey-takers said they would like to see Suga replacing Abe. The longest-serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had to step down from his post last month confirming the rumours doing rounds about his ill-health. Also read: Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win. The prediction has been supported by the poll as 36 per cent said they would like to see the former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba replacing Abe, whereas 44 per cent supported Suga. September 08 was the last day for leaders to file their nomination, and the leaders are now allowed to start campaigning for the race. The poll was conducted by the Social Survey Research Centre and was published in a local daily newspaper Mainichi Shimbun. The poll has come few days after Suga hinted pushing for snap elections and said he is hopeful about Tokyo Olympic Games. ”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Yoshihide Suga frontrunner in race to succeed Shinzo Abe: Poll

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe.

A day after former Foreign Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida announced his plans to run for elections, Japanese&nbsp;Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, too, has formally announced his participation in the upcoming elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fumio-kishida-announces-candidacy-to-replace-japans-shinzo-abe-324437">Also read|&nbsp;Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe</a>

Suga had earlier declined rumours about running for elections. Abe's loyalist&nbsp;had last week emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and instead said he would like to focus on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga had earlier said.

However, on Wednesday he announced that&nbsp;he has decided to stand for party leader to avoid a political vacuum during the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-will-replace-abe-and-when-japan-pms-resignation-sparks-leadership-race-323707">Also read|&nbsp;Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race</a>

"In this time of national crisis, we cannot permit a political vacuum," Suga told a briefing. "I decided to run after giving very deep thought to what I can do, as a politician and as a member of Abe`s administration, to bring back as soon as possible the day when people can live without fear."

Abe's longtime aid has made it clear that, if elected, he would continue Abe's aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies and singled out hard-hit rural areas.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its President on September 14. The candidates are required to register their names on September 08,&nbsp;and can start campaigning immediately after.&nbsp;The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16.

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe.

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe. A day after former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announced his plans to run for elections, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, too, has formally announced his participation in the upcoming elections. Also read| Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe Suga had earlier declined rumours about running for elections. Abe's loyalist had last week emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and instead said he would like to focus on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga had earlier said. However, on Wednesday he announced that he has decided to stand for party leader to avoid a political vacuum during the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race "In this time of national crisis, we cannot permit a political vacuum," Suga told a briefing. "I decided to run after giving very deep thought to what I can do, as a politician and as a member of Abe`s administration, to bring back as soon as possible the day when people can live without fear." Abe's longtime aid has made it clear that, if elected, he would continue Abe's aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies and singled out hard-hit rural areas. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its President on September 14. The candidates are required to register their names on September 08, and can start campaigning immediately after. The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16.

Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week,&nbsp;Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for&nbsp;the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election.

Kishida is seen as one of the favourites of Abe and had earlier, too, expressed his intentions to run for the elections. However, he has not managed to gain attraction from the masses.

Abe's resignation has brought in the announcement of&nbsp;unexpected elections to replace him.&nbsp;Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new Prime Minister for the country.

The party will be voting on September 14 and the candidates are required to register their names on September, and can start campaigning immediately after.&nbsp;An official announcement from the Liberal Democratic Party is expected either later Tuesday or Wednesday, but a decision on a limited vote that will exclude rank-and-file members has already been approved.

The&nbsp;parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16, according to local reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-will-replace-abe-and-when-japan-pms-resignation-sparks-leadership-race-323707">Also read|&nbsp;Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race</a>

Shinzo Abe resigned last week after weeks of speculation and rumours around his ill-health. The former Prime Minister of Japan has been battling&nbsp;the disease of ulcerative colitis for years and his two recent hospital visits within a week had sparked rumours and concerns about his wellbeing.

“I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe said.

Earlier, last week,&nbsp;loyalist Yoshihide Suga, had&nbsp;emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and said he doesn't want the job. Instead, he says, his focus is on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said.

Other than him, former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is also expected to contest the elctions. He has been an Abe-critic for a very long time, and says he aimsto revive Japan's regional economies. Unlike Kishida, Ishiba is favoured by the public, but not by Parliament members.

Many more names such as Taro Aso, Taro Kono, Shinjiro Koizumi, Toshimitsu Motegi, Katsunobu Kato, Seiko Noda have come forward. However, no official announcements have been made on these names.

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week, Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election.

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week, Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election. Kishida is seen as one of the favourites of Abe and had earlier, too, expressed his intentions to run for the elections. However, he has not managed to gain attraction from the masses. Abe's resignation has brought in the announcement of unexpected elections to replace him. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new Prime Minister for the country. The party will be voting on September 14 and the candidates are required to register their names on September, and can start campaigning immediately after. An official announcement from the Liberal Democratic Party is expected either later Tuesday or Wednesday, but a decision on a limited vote that will exclude rank-and-file members has already been approved. The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16, according to local reports. Also read| Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race Shinzo Abe resigned last week after weeks of speculation and rumours around his ill-health. The former Prime Minister of Japan has been battling the disease of ulcerative colitis for years and his two recent hospital visits within a week had sparked rumours and concerns about his wellbeing. “I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe said. Earlier, last week, loyalist Yoshihide Suga, had emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and said he doesn't want the job. Instead, he says, his focus is on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said. Other than him, former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is also expected to contest the elctions. He has been an Abe-critic for a very long time, and says he aimsto revive Japan's regional economies. Unlike Kishida, Ishiba is favoured by the public, but not by Parliament members. Many more names such as Taro Aso, Taro Kono, Shinjiro Koizumi, Toshimitsu Motegi, Katsunobu Kato, Seiko Noda have come forward. However, no official announcements have been made on these names.

Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, has stepped down due to the worsening of a chronic illness, setting the stage for a leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

There are would-be successors who have declared their intention to run. But one longtime lieutenant of Abe has been humble enough to announce he doesn't want the job.

Despite this, loyalist Yoshihide Suga, 71, has emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister, an outcome that would extend the fiscal and monetary stimulus that defined Abe's nearly eight years in office.

In an interview with Reuters this week, Suga stressed the need to spur economic growth over tightening restrictions to contain the virus, pointing to the need to promote tourism.

"We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said at his parliamentary office, where a large photograph of him standing next to US President Donald Trump was on display.

A self-made politician, Suga was chosen by Abe in 2012 for the pivotal role of chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and riding herd on bureaucrats.

The winner of the LDP vote, which domestic media said could be held around September 15, is virtually ensured the premiership because of the party's majority in parliament. The victor will serve out Abe's remaining term as LDP chief, which ends in September 2021.

Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor. 
Still, the veteran lawmaker has an image more as a behind-the-scenes operator than a frontline leader.

Other than him, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 63, a soft-spoken security hawk who aims to revive Japan's regional economies, is also expected to run. A long-time Abe critic, Ishiba is popular with the public but less so among party members of parliament.

Ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida, 63, long seen as Abe's favoured heir, said on Friday he would run in the party poll, but the dovish lawmaker from Hiroshima has struggled to gain traction with voters.

Dark-horse potential candidates include Defence Minster Taro Kono, 56, who has an image as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, 64, who has a reputation as a tough negotiator.

Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is popular but at 39 seen by many as too young.

Usually, a leadership vote is held by LDP MPs along with grassroots party members. 
In case of a sudden resignation, however, an extraordinary vote can be called with participants narrowed to MPs and representatives of the party's local chapters.

What format party executives pick to choose their next leader will have a big impact on the outcome. A decision is expected on Tuesday.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, has stepped down due to the worsening of a chronic illness, setting the stage for a leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, has stepped down due to the worsening of a chronic illness, setting the stage for a leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). There are would-be successors who have declared their intention to run. But one longtime lieutenant of Abe has been humble enough to announce he doesn't want the job. Despite this, loyalist Yoshihide Suga, 71, has emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister, an outcome that would extend the fiscal and monetary stimulus that defined Abe's nearly eight years in office. In an interview with Reuters this week, Suga stressed the need to spur economic growth over tightening restrictions to contain the virus, pointing to the need to promote tourism. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said at his parliamentary office, where a large photograph of him standing next to US President Donald Trump was on display. A self-made politician, Suga was chosen by Abe in 2012 for the pivotal role of chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and riding herd on bureaucrats. The winner of the LDP vote, which domestic media said could be held around September 15, is virtually ensured the premiership because of the party's majority in parliament. The victor will serve out Abe's remaining term as LDP chief, which ends in September 2021. Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor. Still, the veteran lawmaker has an image more as a behind-the-scenes operator than a frontline leader. Other than him, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 63, a soft-spoken security hawk who aims to revive Japan's regional economies, is also expected to run. A long-time Abe critic, Ishiba is popular with the public but less so among party members of parliament. Ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida, 63, long seen as Abe's favoured heir, said on Friday he would run in the party poll, but the dovish lawmaker from Hiroshima has struggled to gain traction with voters. Dark-horse potential candidates include Defence Minster Taro Kono, 56, who has an image as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, 64, who has a reputation as a tough negotiator. Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is popular but at 39 seen by many as too young. Usually, a leadership vote is held by LDP MPs along with grassroots party members. In case of a sudden resignation, however, an extraordinary vote can be called with participants narrowed to MPs and representatives of the party's local chapters. What format party executives pick to choose their next leader will have a big impact on the outcome. A decision is expected on Tuesday. (with inputs from Reuters)

Race to replace Japan PM Abe: Loyalist Suga emerges as strong contender

Japan&nbsp;has&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;for&nbsp;help&nbsp;regarding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosns-escape-extremely-regrettable-nissan-272597">Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn</a>, a top&nbsp;Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking&nbsp;from&nbsp;local authorities.

The former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Nissan Motor Co Ltd</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fiat-chrysler-french-carmaker-psa-agree-on-mega-merger-268996">Renault SA</a>&nbsp; chairman became an international&nbsp;fugitive&nbsp;after he fled to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to-bolster-borders-272500">Lebanon</a>, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in&nbsp;Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct.

He&nbsp;has&nbsp;denied any wrongdoing and&nbsp;has&nbsp;said he was the victim of "backstabbing" and a "conspiracy" that wanted to derail his efforts to bring the two automakers towards a merger.

Japanese authorities said on Monday they may press for&nbsp;Ghosn's extradition&nbsp;from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;to face the charges, even though the Middle Eastern country does not normally extradite its nationals.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-send-warship-planes-to-middle-east-to-protect-vessels-270515">Yoshihide Suga</a>, sidestepped questions about what exactly&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;had asked of&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;beyond "finding out the truth".

"It's necessary to carefully consider the legal systems of both countries," he told a news conference, referring to any requests for the extradition of a&nbsp;fugitive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Ghosn</a>&nbsp;is due to speak to the media in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Wednesday where he is widely expected to detail some of the claims he&nbsp;has&nbsp;made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018.

Citing an interview with&nbsp;Ghosn, Fox Business reported that the former executive said he&nbsp;has&nbsp;"actual evidence" and documents to show there was a&nbsp;Japanese government-backed coup to "take him out". He plans to identify those he believes responsible at a news conference, the broadcaster reported.

Separately, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ghosn-fled-japan-after-security-firm-hired-by-nissan-stopped-surveillance-sources-272140">Nissan</a> said&nbsp;Ghosn's flight&nbsp;from&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;would not affect its policy of holding him responsible for "serious misconduct".

"The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;accountable for the harm that his misconduct&nbsp;has&nbsp;caused to Nissan," the&nbsp;Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Japan has asked Lebanon for help regarding Carlos Ghosn, a top Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking from local authorities.

Japan has asked Lebanon for help regarding Carlos Ghosn, a top Japanese official said on Tuesday, calling the former auto executive's escape to Beirut "regrettable" but stopping short of spelling out what Tokyo was seeking from local authorities. The former Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Renault SA chairman became an international fugitive after he fled to Lebanon, his childhood home, last week to escape what he called a "rigged" justice system in Japan, where he faces multiple charges related to financial misconduct. He has denied any wrongdoing and has said he was the victim of "backstabbing" and a "conspiracy" that wanted to derail his efforts to bring the two automakers towards a merger. Japanese authorities said on Monday they may press for Ghosn's extradition from Lebanon to face the charges, even though the Middle Eastern country does not normally extradite its nationals. On Tuesday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, sidestepped questions about what exactly Japan had asked of Lebanon beyond "finding out the truth". "It's necessary to carefully consider the legal systems of both countries," he told a news conference, referring to any requests for the extradition of a fugitive. Ghosn is due to speak to the media in Lebanon on Wednesday where he is widely expected to detail some of the claims he has made against Nissan since his arrest in November 2018. Citing an interview with Ghosn, Fox Business reported that the former executive said he has "actual evidence" and documents to show there was a Japanese government-backed coup to "take him out". He plans to identify those he believes responsible at a news conference, the broadcaster reported. Separately, Nissan said Ghosn's flight from Japan would not affect its policy of holding him responsible for "serious misconduct". "The company will continue to take appropriate legal action to hold Ghosn accountable for the harm that his misconduct has caused to Nissan," the Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Japan to seek 'help' from Lebanon over fugitive Carlos Ghosn

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