Japanese PM Noda welcomes growing US involvement in the Asia-Pacific; Japan, South Korea and China discusses the feasibility of a FTA among them; Japan and ASEAN members states emphasize on closer maritime security ties
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    • After the end of the series of regional summits in Bali recently, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda hailed the growing presence of United States in the Asia-Pacific region. However while underscoring the significance of the Japan-US bilateral alliance, Noda also emphasized on fostering good ties with China, as it would help in fostering regional and global peace and prosperity. During Noda’s recent meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the Bali summit, both the leaders reportedly agreed to deepen their strategic and mutually beneficial ties, especially in the light of the upcoming 40th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties next year. 1

    Meanwhile, Tokyo reportedly has offered support to Washington’s recent decision to station US marines in the northern part of Australia, as the former strongly believes that such a step could contribute to security in the Asia-Pacific region. 2

    In another development, on the sidelines of the recently held Bali summit, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reportedly held talks and discussed the feasibility of a FTA among them. Lee reportedly emphasized that “close cooperation among the three countries will not help develop East Asia but contribute to (the) world economy as well at a time when uncertainties in the global economy are increasing.” 3

    In the meantime, during their meeting with the ten ASEAN member states on the sidelines of the Bali summit, Japanese leaders agreed to boost cooperation over maritime security and safety. It is a significant development considering China’s increasingly assertive posture at sea. The leaders were to deepen their cooperation according to “universally agreed principles of international law” including freedom and safety of navigation and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with relevant maritime laws. 4

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