July 8 (Reuters) – Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader, died on Friday after being shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election. read more
Abe, who sought to lift the economy out of chronic deflation with his bold “Abenomics” policies, beef up the military and counter China’s growing clout, died at 67.
Here are some reactions so far:
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UNITED STATES
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the assassination of Abe “shocking” and “profoundly disturbing”, and described him as a leader of great vision.
CHINA
Spokesperson for Chinese embassy in Japan: “Former Prime Minister Abe made contributions towards improving China-Japan relations during his term. We express our condolences on his death and send our sympathies to his family.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
“Japan has lost a great prime minister, who dedicated his life to his country and worked to ensure order in the world.”
UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON
“Incredibly sad news about Shinzo Abe,” Johnson said on Twitter. “His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the Japanese people.”
“The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time.”
GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ
Scholz said he was “stunned and deeply saddened”.
“We stand closely by Japan’s side even in these difficult hours,” Scholz tweeted, expressing his deepest sympathy to Abe’s family.
Japan’s outgoing…
