Economics

‘Asian NATO’ Backer Ishiba to Become Japan PM as Race Jolts Yen

  • Yen surges in relief rally, as Ishiba backs BOJ policy path
  • He hasn’t decided on the best timing for a general election
WATCH: Shigeru Ishiba was chosen as the next leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Shery Ahn reports.Source: Bloomberg

Japan’s ruling party picked Shigeru Ishiba as its next leader, positioning an advocate of an “Asian NATO” to become prime minister in a surprise result that jolted the yen.

Ishiba, a 67-year-old party veteran who has served in several senior roles including defense minister, favors ramping up security arrangements in the region, an idea that risks further inflaming tensions with China.