Seiji Maehara, a security expert and former transport minister, has been named Japans new foreign minister.Maehara, 48, will replace Katsuya Okada, who will take up the No. 2 post in the ruling Democratic Party of Japan. The Cabinet shuffle took place after Prime Minister Naoto Kan a leadership challenge earlier this week.
Maehara must address a diplomatic spat with China over a boat collision near some disputed islands in the East China Sea claimed by both countries, as well as the nettlesome problem over the relocation of a controversial U.S. Marine base on Okinawa.