Incoming Japanese PM Calls for Early General Election on Oct. 27 Amid China Tensions

Shigeru Ishiba, set to be approved for prime minister on Oct. 1, has sought to strengthen ties with Taiwan amid CCP’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

Shigeru Ishiba, the new head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks during a press conference at the party's headquarters in Tokyo on Sept. 30, 2024. Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images

Incoming Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Sept. 30—a day before he is to be approved for his new position—his intention to call for a general election on Oct. 27, a year before one needs to take place. This comes amid increasing military aggression from the Chinese regime in the Indo-Pacific.

“It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible,” Ishiba said at a press conference.