China poses policy challenge to Japan leadership hopefuls

TOKYO -- Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers vying to succeed Fumio Kishida as the next party leader and Japanese prime minister all support the broad strokes of his China policy, though they disagree on details like deterrence strategies and dialogue channels.

In a summit last year with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kishida reaffirmed plans to promote a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests." The administration is also focusing on building up Japan's defense capabilities and strengthening ties with the U.S. and Europe, which the candidates promise to continue.