Shigeru Ishiba's Bold Cabinet Unveiling Amid Party Tensions

Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled his cabinet, combining allies and rivals, as he seeks to mend party divisions and secure a mandate through an upcoming election. He faces challenges including diplomatic relations with the U.S., rising living costs, and a volatile security environment in East Asia.

Japan's new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, unveiled his cabinet on Tuesday, aiming to heal internal party divisions and secure a national mandate through an October 27 snap election.

Ishiba, the 67-year-old former defense minister, who narrowly won the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) last week, was confirmed by parliament earlier that day. His first press conference is scheduled for later in Tokyo.

The Ishiba administration's diplomatic strategy, particularly with the United States, will be scrutinized as he calls for a balanced relationship. He also proposes forming an Asian NATO to counter China, a plan criticized for its haste by a senior U.S. official and likely to incite Beijing. Addressing rising living costs and party scandals while managing East Asia's security dynamics will be crucial to his tenure.

(With inputs from agencies.)