Japan's new PM Ishiba pledges reform, deeper ties with friendly nations

TOKYO — Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday (Oct 2) promised political reform and help for households as prices rise, and said he would seek deeper ties with friendly nations to counter the gravest security threats his country has faced since World War Two.

Ishiba earlier unveiled his cabinet as he seeks to heal party divisions and secure a national mandate after calling an Oct 27 snap election.

The 67-year-old former defence minister, who last week won a close-fought contest to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was confirmed earlier in the day as prime minister by parliament.

"I want this cabinet to be one that trusts the people and is trusted by the people," Ishiba said.

His administration's approach to diplomacy with Japan's closest ally, the United States, will be in focus, as he has repeatedly called for a more balanced relationship with Washington, including having greater oversight of bases in Japan used by the US military.

He has also proposed creating an Asian version of the collective security group Nato to deter China, an idea that could draw ire from Beijing and has already been dismissed by a senior US official as hasty.

Pledges

Speaking at his first press conference, the new prime minister promised help for those struggling with rising prices including potential payouts, a minimum wage hike, and regional revitalisation.

He said he had yet to give instructions to his cabinet about proposals he made during the LDP leadership campaign.

The veteran lawmaker, seen as somewhat of a party outsider who failed at four previous leadership bids, has named a mix of rivals and allies to a cabinet of 20 ministers that includes only two women, fewer than half the number in the previous