Japan ready to export nuclear technology; Washington urges Tokyo to reduce oil imports from Iran; China proposes to resume talks with Japan on resolving sea boundary dispute on East China Sea; Japan proposes to setup an Asian disaster insurance plan
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    • According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Yashihiko Noda recently stated that Japan is ready to export nuclear technology if other countries need it. However, the export will be made on certain conditions, including peaceful use of the nuclear technology. It is worth noting that Japan’s bilateral accord on civil nuclear cooperation with four other countries (Jordan, Russia, South Korea and Vietnam) which were signed before the Fukushima nuclear crisis, are due to be approved by the Japanese parliament within the first half of December. Till today, Japan has signed such accord with seven countries (the US, China, the UK, France, Australia, Canada and Kazakhstan) and the European Atomic Energy Community.1

    In a recent meeting with the lower house panel on foreign affairs, Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba reportedly stated that he ishopingto conclude similar bilateral accord with five other countries, including India, South Africa and Brazil, on which Japan began deliberation before the Fukushima crisis.2

    In the meantime, in a recent meeting at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, trade and Industry, nuclear safety authorities of Japan, China, and South Korea have agreed to take steps to develop capabilities to share swift information on accidents and other safety maters. The three countries are to share information on nuclear plant problems, research and regulation for the management of severe accidents caused by natural disasters.3

    In a significant development, Washington has recently urged its allies, including Japan, to reduce their oil imports from Iran to pressurize Tehran to give up its pursuit for nuclear arms. At present, along with China, India, South Korea, and the EU, Japan is one of the major oil importers from Iran. In October 2011, Japan’s oil shipments from Iran totaled 8.11 million barrels, accounting for 7.7% of its overall oil imports.4

    According to reports, China has recently expressed its interest in resolving the sea boundary dispute with Japan in the East China Sea on the basis of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This is seen by many as an attempt on China’s part to make Japan acknowledge that the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea is a disputed territory between the two counties. The last round of bilateral talk on this issue was held in December 2003. Although Japan has persistently maintained that it has indisputable sovereign over those islands, it still plans to accept China’s proposal as it has no objection in addressing the issue under the UNCLOS.5

    In other develoepmts, according to reports, the Japanese government has recently proposed to jointly establish a large-scale insurance system for the whole Asia-Pacific region to cover developing countries struck by natural disasters. The scheme will be jointly developed by Japan, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The funds for the purpose is proposed to be collected from counties and territories involved in this initiative and monetary contributions from Japan and other industrial countries. Japan hopes to bring the ASEAN member states as a part of the initiative. It is worth noting that Australia, New Zealand and some other members of the EU have already expressed interest in such initiative for the development of the South Pacific island countries.6

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