TOKYO (AP) - Shinzo Abe, the front-runner to become Japan's new prime minister, called Friday for his country to build a stronger military as a deterrent and to push ahead with economic reforms as candidates launched their campaigns to lead the governing party. The conservative Abe, who currently serves as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's chief Cabinet secretary, also criticized China and South Korea for a diplomatic standoff with Tokyo and touted Japan's close ties with Washington.| “We need deterrence in order for Japan not to get embroiled in war and to prevent an invasion of Japan. It is a fact that we maintain world peace with deterrent force...” |
The 51-year-old Abe, known for his assertive stance toward China and North Korea, said he backed improved relations with Japan's Asian neighbors, but pledged to also preserve Japan's long-standing alliance with the United States. "Our security alliance with the U.S. has brought us security, and has brought peace to the region," Abe said. "To improve relations with China and South Korea, I believe all sides must make efforts to take steps forward."