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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to make Southeast Asia his first overseas destination. Abe is expected to visit Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam later this month. The second-time premier said on Monday he meant to visit the US first to strengthen Tokyo's alliance with Washington. However, Abe was forced to make the change due to planning difficulties because of US President Barack Obama's busy schedule, as he prepares for his inauguration ceremony on January 21st. But some analysts suggest the delay shows Washington's worries about Abe's recent hard-line policies. Yang Bojiang is an expert in Japanese studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "On one hand, based on the current US policies toward the Asia Pacific, the US wants to strengthen the alliance with Japan, wants to see a stronger Japan. From this point of view, Abe taking office is in line with US expectation. But on the other hand, Washington is also worried about Abe's right-leaning attitude. The US is concerned that Abe's tough stance in handling relations with Asian neighbors may get out of control." Yang Bojiang says Abe's rearranged visits to the three Southeast Asia countries show Japan's hope to enhance its diplomatic and security abilities. "The relations between Southeast Asia countries and Japan is like the one between Latin American countries with the US, it's like a strategic backyard. | 
