In his second policy speech as prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba on Friday began with a candid reflection on his precarious standing as the leader of a minority government bracing for turbulent times ahead.
Rather than expounding on his broader vision ー such as his long-held beliefs on the need for a collective security framework in the region ー Ishiba opted for a step-by-step approach to show his commitment to resolving less-contentious individual policy matters ー prioritizing the next supplementary budget and political reform, the two key issues at stake in the current session of parliament.
Looking ahead to a second U.S. presidential term for Donald Trump, Ishiba said that while strong ties between Japan and the United States benefit the entire region, the two countries have their own national interests.