Shigeru Ishiba, right, with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, and other candidates, celebrates after Ishiba was elected as new head of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party during its leadership election Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, Pool)

Ishiba, who wants an “Asian NATO” to counter security threats from China and North Korea, is the Liberal Democratic Party’s new leader, replacing Fumio Kishida.

Ishiba defeated economic security minister Sanae Takaichi in a runoff, after the two won the most votes in the first round in a crowded field of nine candidates.