Japan to allow the United States to export jointly developed missile to third party; G-8 Summit held in Japan; PM Naoto Kan held talks with several leaders on the sidelines of the G-8 Summit
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    • In a significant development, Japan has decided to allow the United States to export their jointly developed missiles, particularly new Block 2A type of the sea-based Standard Missile-3 interceptor, to third countries despite Japan’s long held taboo on arms exports. The final decision however will be conveyed by early June during the meeting of the defence chiefs of the two allies and expected to be confirmed only in late June during the two-plus-two security talks involving defence and foreign ministers of the two countries.1

    In the recently concluded G-8 Summit held in Deauville, France, the leaders of the participant nations called for a larger role for the IAEA in ensuring nuclear safety following the Japan’s recent nuclear crisis. In a final communiqué issued on My 27 after the end of the summit, the leaders pledged solidarity with Japan in its rebuilding efforts. However, while indicating that after the crisis, the weakening of Japanese economy was a risk factor, the leaders also urged Japan to show fiscal responsibility in funding its rebuilding process. On his part, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan pledged that Japan would provide the international community with all information regarding the accident ‘with the maximum possible transparency’. Kan also called for several measures to improve nuclear plant safety.2 During his address to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development held on May 25 in Paris, Kan made a significant commitment by pledging to increase the ratio of power generation by renewable sources to 20% by early 2020s.3

    Further, Naoto Kan held talks with several leaders on the sidelines of the G-8 Summit. During his meeting with US President Barack Obama, Kan was assured that the US would help Japan in its rebuilding process. Obama’s announcement was expected to soothe the bilateral relations between the two allies after the recent rift over the atomic disaster.4 During Kan’s talk with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev over the long simmering dispute of Northern Territories, the former firmly reiterated that those territories belonged to Japan and also expressed displeasure with the recent visit of members of the Russian Cabinet to those territories on May 15. Although both the leaders refrained from making any concession on the issue, they agreed to carry on the negotiations on the subject in a calm environment.5

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