Kishida, who spoke as president of the Liberal Democratic Party at its convention, underscored the importance of its coalition with its junior partner Komeito, dismissing an emerging view that their relationship has become awkward over cooperation in the election, possibly in July. "Is there any other option than LDP-Komeito that can be entrusted with governing the country when we face history-making challenges? I don't think so," Kishida told the convention. "At times, upper house elections have triggered a big political change. Let us unite as one and secure a victory," said Kishida, who was elected LDP president last September. The party head vowed to bolster Japan's defenses and push for a revision of the Constitution, condemning Russia's "reckless" move to change the status quo by force as a challenge to the international order and peace. He also vowed to ensure a return to normal life after antivirus curbs and bolster steps to mitigate the impact of rising crude oil and other prices. The party convention came as the Democratic Party for the People, an opposition party, has apparently been warming to the LDP.