TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The leader of Japan's main opposition party on Thursday emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in Asia by establishing a rapport with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to again pursue his "America First" doctrine.

Trump's impending return to the White House has sparked fears among U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region, as he is expected to adopt a more protectionist approach while China's military assertiveness and Russia's invasion of Ukraine threaten the global security environment.

Noda's Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has seen increased visibility since the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party lost its majority in the House of Representatives election on Oct. 27.

"Any Japanese prime minister needs to quickly build a personal relationship of trust" with Trump, Noda said, adding, "I am very concerned that his America First policy could mean he gradually rejects U.S. commitments to the international community."

Noda, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday, served as prime minister for more than a year through December 2012, when the CDPJ's predecessor was in power. During his term, he sought to deepen ties with then U.S. President Barack Obama.