New PM has big plans

JAPAN: ISHIBA WANTS A HIGHER CORPORATE TAX RATE, AI INVESTMENT. Call for creation of an Asian Nato could rile Beijing.

Tokyo higeru Ishiba, who became Japan's new prime minister yesterday, is S a former defence minister known for his indepth security policy knowledge.

Ishiba's push to boost the military and call for the creation of an Asian Nato could rile Beijing, but he is careful with his words concerning China.

"I will be committed to protecting Japan's territory," he said on Friday after the ruling party voted him leader.

Tensions are running high after incursions into Japanese airspace by China and Russia.

A Japanese warship also last week sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time.