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Fukuda set to be new Japan PM | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has chosen moderate lawmaker Yasuo Fukuda as its new leader and likely replacement for Shinzo Abe as PM. | |
Mr Fukuda, 71, who wants closer ties with Asian neighbours, defeated hawkish former Foreign Minister Taro Aso. | |
Mr Abe quit unexpectedly two weeks ago in a move that drew wide criticism. | Mr Abe quit unexpectedly two weeks ago in a move that drew wide criticism. |
It followed an embarrassing defeat in Japan's upper house elections in July, and a series of political scandals. | It followed an embarrassing defeat in Japan's upper house elections in July, and a series of political scandals. |
When parliament meets to elect a new prime minister on Tuesday, Mr Fukuda is virtually guaranteed to clinch the job because the party controls the more powerful lower house. | |
KEY DIFFERENCES Fukuda (right): Urges co-operation with China and softer line on North Korea. Has also said he will not visit controversial Yasukuni war shrineAso: Conservative and foreign policy hawk who called China "threat to region" Profile: Taro Aso Profile: Yasuo Fukuda | KEY DIFFERENCES Fukuda (right): Urges co-operation with China and softer line on North Korea. Has also said he will not visit controversial Yasukuni war shrineAso: Conservative and foreign policy hawk who called China "threat to region" Profile: Taro Aso Profile: Yasuo Fukuda |
The BBC's Chris Hogg in Tokyo says Mr Fukuda was seen as the more stable of the two candidates. | |
After Shinzo Abe's messy resignation and gaffe-prone administration, party members are looking for someone who can steady the ship, our correspondent says. | |
Mr Fukuda has pledged to tackle the growing income gap between poorer rural areas and wealthier urban zones. | |
He said Japan's relationship with the US will continue to be the "cornerstone" of his foreign policy, and that he wanted to continue logistical support for the war in Afghanistan despite growing opposition at home. | |
He also wants to pursue a more conciliatory approach with Japan's neighbours China and North Korea. | |
Mr Aso, 67, a known conservative, advocated a tough line towards North Korea and had rejected changing the law to allow women to ascend the throne. | |
With close links to the outgoing prime minister, he helped Mr Abe thaw relations with China but described Beijing's growing military spending as a threat to Japan and the region. | |
Mr Abe remains in hospital after being admitted with a stress-related stomach complaint a day after his resignation. |