Former defense minister poised to take over leadership in Japan as country seeks to address increasing influence of China

Shigeru Ishiba has been elected as the new leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and is set to become the country’s next prime minister. He will officially take office on Tuesday after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resigns. Ishiba, a former defense minister, will face challenges including rising prices, a shrinking and aging population, and regional security issues with China and North Korea. The LDP, which has been in power in Japan for decades, is looking to rebuild public trust ahead of the next general election. Ishiba won the party leadership race in a runoff against economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, becoming the party’s leader after his fifth attempt. The transition of power was prompted by corruption scandals within the LDP, and Ishiba’s election marks a fresh start for the party. Overall, Ishiba’s leadership will be closely watched as he navigates Japan’s domestic and international challenges as the country’s prime minister.

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