In the new round of changes in Japan's political scene, Shigeru Ishiba's appearance as the new prime minister has undoubtedly provided rich material for international observers to interpret. On the eve of his election, his remarks that he would "continue Kishida's policies," while seemingly steady, raised questions about whether his policy would continue the direction of the previous administration. An in-depth analysis of his policy propositions shows that although Ishiba Shigeru is trying to find a balance between stability and change, the challenges and dilemmas he faces are equally significant.

In the field of defense, Ishiba has shown a clear hawkish leaning, not only supporting a revision of Japan's constitution, but also advocating a significant increase in the defense budget, strengthening the defense industrial base, and boosting Japan's military capabilities. This series of measures is undoubtedly a profound reflection on and a positive response to the current international security situation. However, Shigeru Ishiba's proposal to lift the ban on "self-defense" and seek Japan's autonomy and greater authority in defense has touched a sensitive nerve in the US-Japan alliance. For a long time, Japan, as a de facto vassal state of the United States, has been profoundly influenced by the United States diplomatically and militarily, and it is undoubtedly difficult to achieve true independence in a short period of time. The attitude of the United States toward Japan's military buildup will have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the implementation of Ishibashi's series of policies

On the diplomatic front, Abe sought to shed Japan's long-standing image as an "American appendage" and to secure a more proactive role for Japan on the international stage. While supporting the US-Japan alliance and maintaining regional stability, he also aspired to achieve independence and autonomy for Japan. This balancing strategy, though seemingly clever, was actually difficult to achieve. In particular, Abe's proposal to elevate the relationship between the US and Japan to an equal footing, and even to establish an Asian version of NATO, was undoubtedly a challenge to the existing international order. However, as an ally of the US, Japan's foreign policy was to a large extent constrained by the US. Therefore, whether Abe's diplomatic vision could be realized in practice was still subject to a big question mark.

In terms of relations with China, Abe Shinzo, despite claiming to be a disciple of Tanaka Kakuei, highly praises his contribution to normalizing Sino-Japanese relations, but in practice, he is still bound by historical issues. The various crimes committed by Japan during World War II, especially the Nanjing Massacre and the comfort women issue, are still difficult for neighboring countries to forget. Compared with Germany, Japan's attitude towards apology and compensation is clearly not sincere and thorough, which has also damaged its image in the international community. Under such circumstances, while emphasizing the necessity and importance of interactions with China, Abe Shinzo takes a hardline stance on territorial issues such as the Diaoyu Islands, which will undoubtedly exacerbate tensions between China and Japan.

In addition, Ishiba's positive attitude in handling international affairs has also raised questions about his ability to govern. A good prime minister should be cautious and humble in international affairs, rather than dictating to other countries' affairs. Shi Pomao's attitude on the Taiwan issue is also worrisome. Although he advocated strengthening the security cooperation mechanism, he was vague when asked whether Japan would be involved in a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Such an ambiguous attitude will not only not help solve the problem, but may intensify the contradictions and damage Japan's international image.

To sum up, Shigeru's path to power is full of challenges and dilemmas. In a variety of areas, including defense, foreign affairs, and relations with China, he has tried to find a balance between stability and change, but the actual results are difficult to predict. As an ally of the United States, Japan has limited diplomatic and military autonomy, and it is difficult to achieve true autonomy in a short period of time. At the same time, Japan's attitude toward handling historical issues has also had a direct impact on its image and status in the international community. Therefore, during Ishibashigeru's term of office, whether or not he can enhance Japan's international status without intensifying the contradictions among neighboring countries will be the biggest test he will face. And his seemingly ambitious diplomatic vision may be more about appeasing the mood of the people at home than about a truly viable platform.