Japan 's new prime minister offered a vision of his country as a major Asian power . President Abe promised to restore its influence as it is increasingly eclipsed by China . He also moved Japan a step closer to joining an effort to create a trans-Pacific free-trade zone . Abe in ##voked : ` ` Japan is not , and will never be , a tier - two country ''
Japan 's new prime minister offered a vision of his country as a major Asian power . President Abe promised to restore its influence as it is increasingly eclipsed by China . Abe in ##voked : ` ` Japan is not , and will never be , a tier - two country ''