Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice-President Aso Taro became chairperson of Nakasone Peace Institute, a public interest incorporated foundation, and delivered a speech at the 17^th award ceremony for the recipients of the Nakasone Yasuhiro Awards in Tokyo on Nov. 29. Aso touched on the U.S.-China friction and said: “We need to consider how to respond to the friction. I want to help the think tank take root and expand.” (Abridged)