Govt. submits a proposal to allow Coast Guard examine North Korean shipments; UNGA adopts a resolution introduced by Japan calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons; PM Hatoyama: US-Japan alliance is “the cornerstone of Japan's foreign policy”;
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    • The Japanese government submitted a bill which will allow coastguard and customs officers to inspect North Korean shipments suspected of carrying nuclear and missile-related materials. The proposed law would help Japan enforce UN sanctions imposed in the aftermath of its second nuclear test in May 2009.1 Deputy Prime Minister Naoto Kan, during an MSDF fleet review in Sagami Bay off Kanagawa Prefecture also encouraged the MSDF to be prepared for countering the increased threat from North Korea.2

    Meanwhile, a committee of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on October 29 introduced by Japan calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. 161 countries supported the resolution at the First Committee, in charge of disarmament issues, while two countries voted against it. Eight countries abstained.3

    Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, at a plenary session of the House of Councilors, reiterated his government’s commitment to "comprehensively review" the Japan-US alliance. He however added that the alliance is “the cornerstone of Japan's foreign policy."4 Reports suggested that Mr. Hatoyama was in no hurry to make a decision on relocating US military base in Okinawa ahead of Mr. Obama's visit in December.5

    Mr. Hatoyama also stated that developing economic and political relations, settling the territorial dispute and signing a peace treaty with Russia were priorities of the new government.6

    In other domestic developments, the Democratic Party of Japan scored victories in two House of Councillors by-elections (Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures), giving the Cabinet of PM Hatoyama electoral success in the first two national polls since assuming office.7

    US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Toshimi Kitazawa in Tokyo on October 28 urged Japan to allow the export of SM-3 Block 3A missile interceptors, currently under joint development by Japan and the US, to third countries such as European nations.8

    In other developments, China expressed its "strong dissatisfaction" over a visit to Japan by exiled Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer. Beijing blames Kadeer for fomenting the recent unrest in its Xinjiang region.9

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