Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won a landslide victory in the December 16 parliamentary election, meaning the Party’s President Shinzo Abe will become the country’s Prime Minister.
The LDP’s success suggests that Japanese voters trust the
party but saddle it with the challenge of dealing with Japan’s current
problems.
In his first press conference following the victory, Abe vowed to lead Japan out of its crisis, saying his new cabinet, due to be announced in a week’s time, will be committed to expanding the economy and restoring the nation’s diplomatic strength.
To this end, he said his cabinet will do its best to end chronic deflation. He said ministers will be asked to sign agreements with Japan’s Central Bank to implement a loose monetary policy aimed at reaching an annual inflation rate of 2 percent.
This will be a tough mission as Japan’s GDP growth was 3.5 percent last month, the lowest level since the tsunami struck last March. Japan’s economy is going through a difficult period, as it depends largely on exports, which have been hurt by the global recession. In addition, it is struggling to restore the northeastern region following last year’s tsunami and deal with the breakdown of the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Diplomatically, Abe said the US remains one of Japan’s most important allies and vowed that Japan will continue to maintain the Japan – US alliance and restore the diplomatic strength that has dimmed due to recent economic weakness.
On December 18, Abe held his first telephone talk with US President Barack Obama, discussing the US – Japan Security Treaty. The two leaders are scheduled to meet in January 2013.
Several analysts said that the LDP should be careful about Futenma Air Base to avoid angering Okinawans. Unless Okinawa’s concerns are resolved, Japan- US relations could suffer as in the previous administration.
Although relations between Japan and China are of paramount importance, Abe insisted there won’t be any compromise on Japan’s sovereignty over disputed islands. The LDP has pledged to make a proposal either to build a seaport in Senkaku or to send administrative personnel there to confirm Japan’s sovereignty over the unpopulated islands. Either plan is sure to harm future Sino-Japanese relations.
VOV5/VOV online
