TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced his resignation on Sunday after his ruling coalition suffered a major defeat in the July elections.

Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank CEO Yaita Akio said the move would be positive for Taiwan. He posted on social media that “Ishiba is one of the most pro-China and Taiwan-indifferent Japanese prime ministers in the past decade or so,” per Liberty Times.

Yaita said Ishiba’s resignation as both prime minister and president of the Liberal Democratic Party will trigger a leadership race to select Japan’s next leader. He named Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and former economic security minister Takaichi Sanae as the most likely contenders.

Koizumi, 44, could become the second-youngest prime minister in Japanese history, behind Ito Hirobumi, who was 44 years and two months when he took office. Yaita described Koizumi as “handsome and popular among young people” but inexperienced and “not a very good speaker.”

He recalled Koizumi’s failed run for the LDP presidency a year ago, when he led early polls but faltered in debates and placed third.

Takaichi, meanwhile, has a chance to become Japan’s first female prime minister. She is aligned with the conservative wing of the party, supports constitutional revision, advocates increasing defense spending, and calls for stronger laws to counter Chinese influence.

Yaita said Takaichi has shown clear support for Taiwan. In April, she visited Taipei at his think tank’s invitation, meeting President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), and delivered a speech urging Taiwan-Japan defense cooperation.

According to Yaita, the LDP leadership vote could be held as early as Oct. 4, with the Diet expected to choose a new prime minister around Oct. 7. He said Koizumi or Takaichi are the most likely winners, though a dark horse could emerge if both stumble.