Pyongyang's missile threat, opposition disunity could aid Abe

Tokyo

JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued one of his now routine condemnations of North Korea's latest missile launch at the weekend. But the impression of a growing military threat from Japan's regional neighbour could help him stay in power despite his slumping popularity.

Mr Abe is expected to announce a reshuffle of his Cabinet this week in an effort to do damage control, with the appointment of a new defence minister to replace Tomomi Inada, who announced her resignation late last week, high on the list of priorities.