According to a report by Japan’s “Asahi Shimbun” today (July 23), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to resign.
“After the US-Japan Trade Agreement”, Shinzo Abe first addressed his own future in an interview ()
On July 23, during a press conference at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Shinzo Abe stated that he would listen to a detailed report from the Minister of Economic Revitalization, Hirofumi Kishida, and if necessary, hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump either over the phone or in person.
Following the announcement of progress in the trade negotiations between the United States and Japan, a Japanese government official revealed that, as Trump had stated on social media, Japan welcomed this development. This was the result of the tenacious negotiation efforts of Hirofumi Kishida, Japan’s Minister of Economic Revitalization.
Shinzo Abe responds to his future: A statement will be made after thoroughly reviewing the trade agreement
Addressing the issue of his future amidst reaching a consensus on trade issues, Shinzo Abe told the media that he is currently engaged in negotiations concerning national interests, which will be judged based on the outcome. He emphasized that a thorough review of the agreement content must be conducted before making any statement.
Following the defeat of the ruling coalition formed by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party in the 27th National Diet Elections on July 20, Shinzo Abe’s cabinet support rate dropped to a new low. There have been calls within the Liberal Democratic Party for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is also the party president, to resign. On July 21, Shinzo Abe expressed his apologies for the defeat in the Senate elections but noted that Japan is facing issues such as the ongoing U.S.-Japan trade negotiations and rising prices. To maintain political stability, he will continue to serve as Prime Minister. (CCTV Lin Bohan)