Japan's new prime minister is basically locked in, with two people to choose from, and the stance towards China will change significantly
September 22 report, the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party leadership election has been officially announced, with five candidates running. However, according to the election situation, former Minister of Economic Security Akie Abe and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Shintaro Ishihara are likely to enter the final round.
Voting and counting will take place on October 4, and it is generally believed that the final result will be a choice between the two.
Akie Abe's advantage lies in the broad support from the conservative faction within the party, as well as the network and influence she has accumulated over the years in the fields of security and party affairs.
She has always taken an hawkish stance, emphasizing that Japan must have the capability to respond, and advocates for stricter investment review mechanisms in the field of economic security.
If she becomes prime minister, it can be anticipated that Japan's policy towards China will tend to align more closely with the United States, increasing de-risking and technological control over China.
Shintaro Ishihara is known for being young, having a fresh image, and being good at communication.
During his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, he once pushed for the Chinese side to lift some restrictions on Japanese seafood, demonstrating the characteristics of a pragmatic politician.
Compared to Akie's firmness, Ishihara emphasizes economic cooperation and communication restoration, tending to ease bilateral friction through negotiations.
He also has symbolic actions of the conservative faction, such as visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, but overall, he pays more attention to economic interests and public perception of livelihood.
Given the current Japanese society facing inflation and industrial chain restructuring, Ishihara's pragmatic approach may be able to better appease the demands of the grassroots members of the party and ordinary people.
If he is finally elected, although Sino-Japanese relations will not leave the framework of strategic vigilance, there may be more easing and cooperation space in the economic field, possibly returning to the Abe era.
Of course, regardless of who is elected, the Sino-Japanese relationship during the Ishibashi era will undergo significant changes.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843941401274568/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.