Japan's new prime minister

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, stressed the need to strengthen Japan's alliance with the United States during his initial discussions with President Biden. He called for a more equitable security partnership and proposed joint management of U.S. military bases in Japan, aiming to address the asymmetry in the current Japan-U.S. alliance. Additionally, Ishiba advocated for the establishment of an 'Asian version of NATO' to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the region, citing the potential threat of Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. This initiative reflects a significant shift in Japan's defense strategy in response to heightened security concerns stemming from China's territorial ambitions. While Ishiba's proposals aim to bolster regional security, they could complicate existing diplomatic efforts within ASEAN. His administration, formed with a strong emphasis on defense, seeks to navigate these complexities while addressing Japan's economic challenges and regaining public trust ahead of upcoming elections.