Japan, Indonesia seek Japan-ASEAN tie-up in disaster management; Defense Ministry institute warns of China's expanding military; LDP head rules out possibility to form grand coalition with DPJ; Hillary Clinton to visit quake-hit Japan;
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print

    • On the bi-lateral Japan and Indonesia have agreed that Tokyo and ASEAN should establish disaster management and prevention cooperation.1 However, there have been reports from a Defense Ministry research institute which has sounded alarm about China's growing military presence in East Asia. The institute has released a report on Wednesday.2

    On the domestic front, Sadakazu Tanigaki, who is the leader of the largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party, ruled out the possibility of forming a grand coalition with the ruling Democratic Party of Japan in the immediate future.3 On the other hand, there are reports that the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is to visit Japan in April 2011 in the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami. It is believed that she will travel to Japan after the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Berlin on April 14 and 15.4

    On the regional front Japan has decided to extend its sanctions against North Korea for one year. This also includes a total ban on North Korean vessels making port calls in Japan.5

    In other developments, French President Nicolas Sarkozy who visited Japan recently, expressed strong support and solidarity with grief-stricken Japan over the recent deadly earthquake and tsunami. This is the first time a national leader has visited Japan since the March 11 catastrophe.6

    Top