Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday made a smooth diplomatic debut at the U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland, showing not only his commitment to issues of global importance but also networking with key countries that share concerns over China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
But the whirlwind trip has not done much to provide clarity over how Kishida, who is just weeks into Japan's top job, plans to deal with the foreign and national security challenges ahead — from beefing up the U.S.-Japan alliance to managing the rise of China.
Kishida appeared to be satisfied with the outcome of his first overseas trip as prime minister, telling reporters he made Japan's "presence" felt through a speech that conveyed his resolve to lead efforts to put Asia on a path to a zero-carbon-emission future and to curb his country's contributions.