TOKYO (AP) – Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Saturday that he lacks the diplomatic skills of outgoing leader Shinzo Abe, adding Abe’s non-public friendship with President Donald Trump and would want his if he takes on the most sensible job.
Abe announced in late August his intention to resign the minister for fitness issues. He has ruled Japan since he returned to force in December 2012 for a temporary term as a minister.
Suga, the secretary of the leader cupboard, is expected to win Monday’s election and then be approved in a parliamentary vote wednesday because of the ruling bloc’s majority.
Abe traveled to 80 destinations abroad during his tenure, bringing stability and coherence to Japanese international relations and raising the country’s profile in the foreign community, according to experts. He was best known for establishing a non-public friendship with Trump.
“Prime Minister Abe’s leadership in international relations was indeed incredible. I don’t think I can fit into that,” Suga said as she joined the other two contenders in a public debate. Former Defense Minister Shiberu Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida are also in the race.
“I think there is a diplomatic position that I could use and I will stick to my own style, while asking for that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And, of course, I’ll consult (Abe),” Suga said.
Suga was political coordinator and adviser to Abe, the leader of the prime minister’s centralized workplace force and his influence on bureaucrats in policy implementation. The son of a strawberry farmer from northern Japan and a self-taught politician, Suga is a rarity in the largely hereditary political world of the country.
Despite his influence and political skills at home, Suga has barely traveled abroad and his diplomatic skills are unknown, he is expected to pursu Abe’s priorities.
Abe has not complied with his of resolving a territorial dispute and signing a peace treaty with Russia or normalizing ties with North Korea.
Suga would also inherit unfinished paintings about other challenges. China continues its assertive movements in the East China Sea. You will have to do with the Tokyo Olympics and take on the COVID-19 and the economic benefits. And he’s going to have to build, a smart date with whoever wins America’s presidential race.
“Suga has shown influence in national politics, but his diplomatic skills are unknown,” said Yu Uchiyama, a professor of politics at the University of Tokyo, “but there will be few changes. “
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