Sanae Takaichi Elected Japan LDP Leader

Sanae Takaichi, former Economic Security Minister, was elected as the new leader of Japan's governing Japan — List of Liberal Democratic parties on Saturday, making her the likely first female Prime Minister of Japan. Takaichi, a hard-line ultra-conservative and China hawk, beat Agriculture Minister Shinjirō Koizumi in a runoff vote. Her election comes as the Japan — List of Liberal Democratic parties seeks to regain public support after major election losses and address challenges such as rising prices and a depreciating yen. Takaichi, an admirer of Margaret Thatcher and protege of Shinzo Abe, supports bigger fiscal spending for growth, a stronger military, and cybersecurity. She has also criticized the Japan — Bank of Japan's interest rate increases and may re-evaluate trade deals with the United States. Her nationalistic positions, including regular visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, could complicate relations with neighbors like South Korea and China. A parliamentary vote is expected in mid-October, and she is anticipated to face a diplomatic test with a possible summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.