Kishida vows to lead with ‘trust and empathy’ to fix Japan

TOKYO — In his first policy speech, new Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised Friday to strengthen the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic in case of another resurgence and revive its battered economy while bolstering defenses against threats from China and North Korea. Tasked with the crucial mission of rallying public support for the governing party ahead of national elections expected Oct. 31, Kishida promised to pursue politics of “trust and empathy.” He was elected by parliament and sworn in Monday as Japan’s 100th prime minister, succeeding Yoshihide Suga, who left after only a year in office. He promised to be more attentive to public concerns and needs, and prepare virus measures based on “a worst-case scenario.” That includes taking advantage of a drop in infections to improve crisis management before the weather turns cold, approving drugs for treatment of COVID-19 by the end of December and the digitalization of vaccine certificates as Japan gradually expands social and economic activities, Kishida said. The Japan-U.S. alliance remains the “lynchpin” of Japanese diplomatic and security policies, he said, vowing to further elevate the partnership, which “also serves as the foundation of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the entire world.” Kishida said establishing a stable relationship with China is important not only for the two countries but also for the region and the international community. In his speech, Kishida said North Korea’s missile and nuclear development cannot be allowed, but Japan seeks to normalize diplomatic ties with North Korea by resolving their “unfortunate past,” and the decades-old issue of Japanese citizens abducted by the North, the ministry said.