'A free and open Indo-Pacific': With a single phrase, Shinzo Abe changed America's view of Asia and China

To many in Asia-Pacific, Shinzo Abe was prescient in recognizing the challenge a rising China posed to the American-led system of political and military alliances.

And the former Japanese Prime Minister -- killed by an assassin's bullet on July 8 -- arguably did more than any of his Western contemporaries to meet that challenge.

Abe, who served two separate terms and was Japan's longest-serving prime minister, will be remembered by many as the leader who finally led the country out of the shadows of World War II.