Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi is seen on Nov. 10, 2021, at the prime minister's office in Tokyo. (Mainichi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- New Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday pledged to safeguard universal values as well as peace and the stability of Japan and other parts of the world in the face of China's military buildup and assertive territorial claims.

       "We are seeing more serious challenges to universal values, which are sustained peace and the stability of the international community, and the international order," Hayashi said at his first press conference since taking the post on Wednesday.

       Previously serving as defense, agriculture, education, and economic and fiscal policy minister, 60-year-old Hayashi was named foreign minister when Fumio Kishida was re-elected as prime minister after his ruling coalition won a general election last month.

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