New Japan FM appointed for 'consistency'

Matsumoto will continue policies of disgraced predecessor: Experts

BEIJING - Japan on Wednesday officially appointed a junior Cabinet minister, Takeaki Matsumoto, as foreign minister to replace Seiji Maehara who resigned last week because of a political donation scandal.

Experts say the appointment will help secure continuity in Tokyo's foreign policy at a time when Japan is encountering diplomatic difficulties with neighboring countries.