TOKYO (AP) - Japan's likely next premier, outspoken conservative Shinzo Abe, pressed for summits with China and South Korea on Wednesday after being tapped to head the country's ruling party in a vote heralding a swing to the right.The overture came as Abe, who is expected to be elected prime minister next week, outlined plans for a government that could usher in a more assertive foreign policy, a stronger military and a focus on economic reform. Improving relations with Japan's neighbors will be a key challenge. While the change in leadership could break the ice, Abe falls under suspicion for supporting the Tokyo war shrine, for promoting nationalism and for wanting to rewrite the pacifist constitution, a cornerstone of Japan's post-World War II identity.
In a conciliatory note, Abe said he wants to make Japan "a country that is trusted and loved" by the world. He also said he wants to "make an effort" to meet Chinese and South Korean counterparts after becoming prime minister. "It is quite regrettable that the summit meetings between Chinese and Japanese leaders haven't happened," he said. "It is important for leaders to frankly talk with each other, even though there may be various problems between neighboring countries."
Abe warned, however, "it is necessary for both sides to make efforts and take a step ahead."
