Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Wednesday (01/16/2013), heading for Southeast Asia in the series after the first overseas trip as prime minister officially.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Wednesday (01/16/2013), heading for Southeast Asia in the series after the first overseas trip as prime minister officially.

In Southeast Asia, Abe seems to strive to increase the strength of the relationship as a counterweight to China's influence.

In addition, Abe visits to Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia was aimed to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries whose economies continue to grow as a part to revive the Japanese economy.

Politicians from conservatives who occupy the premiership since last December, was originally called the United States as a destination for its inaugural trip. However, the difficulty of finding a schedule that fits with President Barack Obama makes Abe changed itinerary.

"I wanted to make my first overseas trip as the beginning of the Abe administration diplomatic strategy," he told reporters shortly before leaving Tokyo.

"This saay, the Asia-Pacific strategic undergoing dynamic change. Periubahan In this, had close ties with ASEAN will contribute to the security and stability of the region, and the region has become one of Japan's national interests," said Abe.

In this foreign trip, Abe is scheduled to give a political speech in Jakarta, Friday (18/01/2013).

Abe's political position is now very different from when he was prime minister in 2006-2007. At that time, Abe made ​​China his first overseas trip purpose, to improve the deteriorating relations between the two countries when Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi ordered.

However, this time Abe won the election precisely because it promises strict policy kepelimikan disputed Senkaku Islands are also claimed by China.

In addition to Japan, Beijing is also facing territorial disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.