Japan's diplomacy seeks to isolate China

Abe's new cabinet leaders begin visits to Southeast Asia, Australia

Tokyo's new Cabinet has wasted no time in seeking to hem in China diplomatically, as Japan's new foreign minister prepared to start his visit to Southeast Asia and Australia on Wednesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his key Cabinet members' trips this month to eight countries have sent a clear signal that the officials intend to rein in China, observers said.