US officials and pundits have largely welcomed the return of the Liberal Democratic Party, believing that Abe’s firm positions and pledges to boost military spending will deter confrontational moves by Beijing.
However, Abe in the past has made controversial statements on Japan’s wartime history, leading to fears that a loose comment could set off new tensions at a time that new leaders are also taking charge in China and South Korea.
Clinton said US officials “applaud the early steps” taken by Abe and hoped that new leaders in Japan and China would “get off to a good start.”
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