By Kiyoshi Takenaka

TOKYO, Reuters -Fumio Kishhida, the Prime Minister of Japan said Friday that he will do everything possible to help Japan get out from the COVID-19 crises and protect its people and territory in a more dangerous security environment.

Yoshihide, who was weakened by the rise in COVID-19, replaced Kishida as the leader of the third-largest country. A number of daily cases fell recently and an extended state of emergency was declared this month.

Kishida declared in his first address to parliament that he was determined to give body and soul to the relief of the nation’s crisis, to carve out new eras and to pass on the country to the next generation as one whose citizens are wealthy at heart.

His leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a general election will prove to be a big test.

Former foreign minister at 64, the man who is well-known for his low-key consensus building skills, stated that the government will quickly create a package of stimulus to help those affected by the pandemic, and also take steps to ensure medical resources.

While he didn’t specify the exact size of his stimulus package, last month he proposed a sum equal to 30 trillion Japanese yen (268 billion).

Shunichi Suzuki, the Finance Minister, stated earlier that he would like to create an additional budget for the stimulus funding immediately following the election and get it approved by parliament before the end of the year.

Kishida stressed that it was important to help those in crisis and called for public support.

He promised to pay cash to families with children and non-regular workers to help them make ends meet during the pandemic.

Kishida reaffirmed his determination to defeat deflation, and stated that he will continue bold monetary easing and expeditious fiscal expenditure as well as a strategy of growth.

He said, “We will respond quickly to crises with fiscal spending and take all necessary measures.”

Kishida spoke out on foreign and national security, saying he would ensure Japan’s safety and stability.

“With the security climate surrounding the country becoming tougher, we will resolutely defend our territory, territorial water, air space, and people’s lives, and property,” he stated to parliament.

Japan must confront China’s aggressive military buildup, maritime expansion, and threat from North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

Kishida stated that he would update the national security strategy, and will bolster missile defense and coast guard capabilities.

Concerning relations with China’s giant neighbor, Kishida stated that building stability and maintaining dialog were essential. Japan will not hesitate to use its words when needed.

While we work together with countries where we share the same universal values, China must be heard and held accountable. He said that we also continue to dialogue with them and cooperate in solving common problems.”

China holds almost all the South China Sea’s energy-rich waters. It has also established military bases on artificial islands. It also claims a group of Japanese-administered islets in the East China Sea.

Kishida called Japan’s alliance of security with the United States the “cornerstone” for world peace, and said he was committed to building on this alliance.