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During the recent two-day long Sixth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, along with his counterparts from Pacific Island nations urged China to improve its transparency of overseas aid. The request came at a time when Pacific Island countries are currently suffering from rising debts to China. During the Summit, all the emerging donor countries were requested to comply with international rules on aid. Noda reportedly expressed Japan’s eagerness to promote exchanges of military personnel with Pacific island countries. He also pledged to offer $500 million to these countries as aid over the next three years. 1
In another development, according to reports, during Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba’s recent meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at Chicago, both the leaders agreed to take resolute action against North Korea if the North conducts a nuclear test. Both the leaders also agreed to urge China to cooperate on this issue. 2
- 1. “Japan, others want clarity on China aid/Noda pledges 500 mil. Dollars to pacific islands”, Yomiuri Daily, May 27, 2012, at http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120526002703.htm
- 2. “Gemba, Clinton warn N. Korea/Japan, US agree on resolute response if Pyongyang carries out N-test”, Yomiuri Daily, May 23, 2012, at http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120522004733.htm.