By Antoni Slodkowski

TOKYO (Reuters), -Fumio, Japan’s new Prime Minister, stated Tuesday that he was given a clear message by President Joe Biden on Tuesday about America’s commitment to defending Japan’s Senkaku Islands.

According to Kishida, in phone conversations that lasted approximately 20 minutes on Tuesday morning, allies confirmed their commitment toward a free Indo-Pacific.

Kishida, who called for a general election on Oct. 31, had promised to boost the nation’s efforts to combat the pandemic. The nation elected him as its new prime Minister on Monday.

Kishida stated that they had confirmed their cooperation in strengthening the Japan-US alliance as well as a free and open Indo-Pacific. “We also said that we will work closely together on North and China-related issues.”

Kishida stated, “Especially the president made a strong statement on the U.S. engagement to defend Japan,” referring specifically to U.S. obligations to Japan in defense.

Japan has been increasingly worried by Chinese activity in East China Sea. Intrusions in waters around disputed islands (known as Diaoyus, in China) have also become a concern.

Kishida, a 64-year-old former foreign minister with an image as a consensus builder, unveiled a cabinet lineup https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/profiles-likely-japanese-cabinet-ministers-2021-10-04 dominated by allies of former prime minister Shinzo Abe and ex-finance minister Taro Aso.

Nobuo Kishi (Defense Minister) and Toshimitsu Motegi (Foreign Minister), retained their positions. This reflects Kishida’s determination to maintain Abe’s efforts to strengthen security ties to Washington, while maintaining trade ties to China.

It is expected that the new prime minster will also deepen the engagement with Japan, Australia, India, India, and the United States – known collectively as the Quad. Beijing regards this as an attempt to slow down its rising.

Kishida is from the traditionally conservative LDP faction. He had moved to the left as he ran to become the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This was a reflection on a wider shift in LDP that Abe’s long-standing tenure has prompted.

Kishida stated that the acquisition of the capability to strike enemy bases was an option. He also said that Abe would support it. A special aide will be appointed to oversee China’s treatment Uyghur minorities. China refutes allegations of abuse.

The new position of economic security minister is one of Kishida’s most prominent appointments. Kishida resigned to be replaced by Takayuki Kbayashi (46-year-old Harvard graduate and Tokyo University alumnus) who worked in policy areas aimed at protecting China’s sensitive information, such as cyber security and supply chain management.