Japan to consider relaxing its long-standing ban on weapons exports; Japanese oil firm Inpex withdraws from Iran Azadegan oil field project; United States welcomes the decision; Kan and Wen Jiabo to meet on the sidelines of ASEAN summit
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  • Indicating at a policy change, Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara has said in an interview that Japan will consider relaxing its long-standing ban on weapons exports as the nation explores ways to bolster its military capabilities. This move has come after concerns showed by some Japanese leaders who viewed that Japan is falling behind in security and weapons technology, even amid potential threats from China and North Korea.1

    The United States has welcomed the decision by Japanese oil firm Inpex Corp. to withdraw from Iran's Azadegan oil field project by stating that it showed the risks of doing business with Tehran. "The United States welcomes the decision by the Japanese oil company Inpex to withdraw from its investments in Iran," US Department of State spokesperson Philip Crowley said.2

    On the bi-lateral front, government sources noted that Japanese Prime Minister Kan and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will meet on the sidelines of this month's summit meetings of leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Japan, China and South Korea. Reports noted that both sides have basically agreed that the talks will go ahead on the fringes of the ASEAN, ASEAN plus Three and other summit meetings that will take place during October 28-30 in Hanoi.3

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