Asia-Pacific
Japan PM hopeful wants military
(AP)
Updated: 2006-09-09 09:50
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Shinzo Abe, the front-runner to become Japan's new prime minister, called Friday for his country to build a stronger military as a deterrent and to push ahead with economic reforms as candidates launched their campaigns to lead the governing party.
 Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe speaks during a joint news conference for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party candidates in a presidential election to become the next Japanese prime minister at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 8, 2006.[Reuters] |
Abe faces Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and Foreign Minister Taro Aso in a Sept. 20 contest to become president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The position virtually guarantees the winner's election by parliament to succeed Koizumi as prime minister later in the month.
Abe reiterated his intention to re-examine the country's pacifist constitution, which was drafted by the U.S. occupation force after World War II and renounces the use of force in settling international disputes.
"We need deterrence in order for Japan not to get embroiled in war and to prevent an invasion of Japan," Abe said in a separate interview with TBS television. "It is a fact that we maintain world peace with deterrent force."
The 51-year-old Abe, known for his assertive stance toward China and North Korea, said he backed improved relations with Japan's Asian neighbors, but pledged to also preserve Japan's long-standing alliance with the United States.
"Our security alliance with the U.S. has brought us security, and has brought peace to the region," Abe said. "To improve relations with China and South Korea, I believe all sides must make efforts to take steps forward."
Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni war shrine, which honors war criminals along with Japan's war dead, have strained ties with China and South Korea, which suffered harsh occupations by the Japanese army. Both countries have held off holding summits with Koizumi in protest.
Abe has been a staunch supporter of Koizumi's visits, but has not said whether he would make similar pilgrimages as premier. Still, he criticized the leaders of China and South Korea for refusing to meet with their Japanese counterpart.
"Japan's doors are always open," he said, referring to a summit. "Leaders should hold talks when there are problems. To refuse to meet because of problems, that's the other way round."
Tanigaki, who has criticized Koizumi's Asian diplomacy and opposed the shrine visits, presented himself as the candidate with economic credentials who also could repair the country's foreign policy woes.
"I will mend Japan's diplomatic relations with Asia," he said, also vowing to address public concerns about the economy and social security.
Koizumi, who took office in April 2001, has said he will step down at the end of the month when his current term ends as head of the ruling party and prime minister. The LDP vote will be followed by a parliamentary vote for prime minister Sept. 26.
The new premier will inherit a Japan in transition. Koizumi has greatly expanded diplomatic and military cooperation with the United States and has set in motion efforts to give his country its most assertive role in world affairs since it was defeated in World War II.
Abe also said he would further the economic reforms introduced by Koizumi, which are largely credited with lifting the world's second-largest economy out of more than a decade of doldrums.
Public broadcaster NHK said at least 240 of the 403 parliament members or their aides attended Abe's campaign kickoff rally. Nevertheless, the two other candidates were enthusiastic.
"The LDP is not made up solely of those who agree with the so-called front-runner," Tanigaki said at his launch rally in Tokyo. "I am prepared to fight to the end. I will not run away, I will not waver."