Japan, Philippines Agree to Work on Maritime Security

TOKYO- Japan and the Philippines agreed Friday to work more closely on maritime security, amid China's growing activities in surrounding waters. The first deputy director-level talks between Japan and the Philippines on ocean security were held in Tokyo at a time when Chiana's sovereignty claims in the East China Sea and the South China Sea are expanding. Japan and the Philippines also agreed to enhance cooperation in fighting piracy, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said, The Japanese ministry said that the two countries agreed to hold regular consultations on maritime security between their government and coast guard officials.

Vietnam to Resume Nuclear Export Talks With Japan   

TOKYO- Japan and Vietnam restarted talks Thursday on proposed exports of two nuclear reactors to Vietnam after a six-month hiatus following radiation leaks at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the Japanese Trade Ministry said. Both sides held consultations on the outline of the proposed transaction, including the terms of Japanese financial aid to the Vietnamese government, officials at the Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry said. On Aug 5, the Cabinet of former Japan should honor earlier agreements with Vietnam and another three countries to export its reactors. Newtrade Minister Yoshio Hachiro said, "It is necessary to export the reactors, given the standpoint of maintaining Japan's trustworthiness [in relation to Vietnam]." 

(Kyodo)