India will be taking part in two major trilaterals on Friday. One with Japan and US, another with China and Russia. The very first trilateral with Japan, America will take place on Friday. It was United States National Security Advisor Ambassador John Bolton who announced it and said," (Trump will be meeting)...Prime Minister Abe of Japan. That will transform at some point during that meeting into a trilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi."

This is an important trilateral coming on the background of Indo-Pacific concept gaining currency and quad meeting--India, Japan, Australia and the US-- taking place earlier this year in Singapore.

The second meeting with Russia and China (RIC) will take place after an interval of twelve years.

The timing of the&nbsp;meetings is directly related to the&nbsp;period of major global developments from trade wars to climate change issue. Sources told WION that, "It is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the world."

Sources added that it is "recognition of India assuming the leadership role on global issues of people's concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, corruption and disaster resilient infrastructure. Reflection of our willingness to contribute in a positive and a constructive way in strengthening multilateral institutions like WTO and trying to build a consensus on new ideas like Indo-Pacific."

BRICS informal summit will also take place which has been a permanent fixture on the sidelines of G20 summits.

Last year in 2017 the BRICS Informal summit took place on the sidelines of the 12th G20 summit during which the Indian PM met Chinese President Xi Jinping which helped in brokering peace at a time when the Doklam crisis was looming large on Sino-India ties. 
&nbsp;

India will be taking part in two major trilaterals on Friday. One with Japan and US, another with China and Russia. The very first trilateral with Japan, America will take place on Friday.

India will be taking part in two major trilaterals on Friday. One with Japan and US, another with China and Russia. The very first trilateral with Japan, America will take place on Friday. It was United States National Security Advisor Ambassador John Bolton who announced it and said," (Trump will be meeting)...Prime Minister Abe of Japan. That will transform at some point during that meeting into a trilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi." This is an important trilateral coming on the background of Indo-Pacific concept gaining currency and quad meeting--India, Japan, Australia and the US-- taking place earlier this year in Singapore. The second meeting with Russia and China (RIC) will take place after an interval of twelve years. The timing of the meetings is directly related to the period of major global developments from trade wars to climate change issue. Sources told WION that, "It is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the world." Sources added that it is "recognition of India assuming the leadership role on global issues of people's concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, corruption and disaster resilient infrastructure. Reflection of our willingness to contribute in a positive and a constructive way in strengthening multilateral institutions like WTO and trying to build a consensus on new ideas like Indo-Pacific." BRICS informal summit will also take place which has been a permanent fixture on the sidelines of G20 summits. Last year in 2017 the BRICS Informal summit took place on the sidelines of the 12th G20 summit during which the Indian PM met Chinese President Xi Jinping which helped in brokering peace at a time when the Doklam crisis was looming large on Sino-India ties.

G20 Summit: A day of trilaterals for India 

US President Donald Trump will have a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1, the White House said Tuesday.

The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings Trump would have later this week on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Argentina. The annual meeting is being attended by leaders of the top 20 economies of the world.

However, all eyes are expected to be on two meetings that Trump would have with the Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Briefing reporters ahead of the G-20 Summit, US National Security Advisor John Bolton said that Trump will also have meetings with President Mauricio Macri of Argentina, President Moon Jae-In of South Korea, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.

Bolton said the Trump-Abe bilateral meeting would expand into a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

"He is going to meet with President Macri, the host government of Argentina, he'll meet with President Moon of South Korea, he'll meet with President Erdogan of Turkey, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, that will transform at some point during that meeting a trilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi,"&nbsp;Bolton said.

"The president will meet with President Putin and have a working dinner with President Xi," he said. PTI&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump will have a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1, the White House said Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump will have a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1, the White House said Tuesday. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings Trump would have later this week on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Argentina. The annual meeting is being attended by leaders of the top 20 economies of the world. However, all eyes are expected to be on two meetings that Trump would have with the Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Briefing reporters ahead of the G-20 Summit, US National Security Advisor John Bolton said that Trump will also have meetings with President Mauricio Macri of Argentina, President Moon Jae-In of South Korea, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. Bolton said the Trump-Abe bilateral meeting would expand into a trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi. "He is going to meet with President Macri, the host government of Argentina, he'll meet with President Moon of South Korea, he'll meet with President Erdogan of Turkey, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, that will transform at some point during that meeting a trilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi," Bolton said. "The president will meet with President Putin and have a working dinner with President Xi," he said. PTI

PM Modi to have trilateral meeting with Trump and Japanese counterpart in Argentina

The man chosen to temporarily replace<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nissan-shares-plunge-as-ghosn-faces-ouster-after-arrest-178288"> fallen auto star Carlos Ghosn at Renault</a> is an industry insider with many years of experience working in Asia.

Thierry Bollore, a 55-year-old father of five, has been declared deputy CEO to ensure day-to-day management following Ghosn's stunning arrest in Tokyo on charges of under-reporting his pay at Nissan.

Before his temporary elevation to the top of Renault, Bollore was the French car giant's Chief Operating Officer, a position he was promoted to in February in a move widely seen at the time as Ghosn anointing his successor.

In many ways the two men began with similar career trajectories. Like Ghosn, Bollore was first spotted as a rising talent at Michelin before he switched to a car manufacturer and made his way into the top ranks.

But those who have worked with him paint a somewhat softer portrait than Ghosn, who built a reputation -- and enemies -- as a maverick turnaround specialist who blew a gale through a musty corporate world, especially in Asia.

"(He's) very rigorous, very serious, but at the same time warm. He has calm, analytical qualities and he's level-headed," a senior person in the auto sector who worked with Bollore told AFP.

"I think that his knowledge of Asia and his skills in relationships with the Japanese will give him an advantage in the succession," added the former colleague, who said he appreciated Bollore's "integrity and loyalty".

Business development in China is a major priority for Renault as well as the complex Franco-Japanese coalition between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Resentment has long been brewing in Japan over the structure of the alliance, which some say gives French carmaker Renault an undue share of the Japanese company's profits.

Renault currently owns 43 per cent of Nissan, while Nissan only owns 15 per cent of Renault.

A Financial Times report said Ghosn has been working on a merger of the two carmakers that Nissan opposed because it could relegate the Japanese company to a secondary role.

Bollore has plenty of Asia experience to draw on.&nbsp;

With Michelin, he held senior posts in the late 1990s in Japan and Thailand. He later joined auto-parts giant Faurecia, spending much time in China in the early 2000s, before moving to Europe and South Africa.

He joined Renault in 2012, first as executive vice president for manufacturing and supply chain and then as Chief Competitive Officer until his elevation to Ghosn's de facto deputy in February.

A keen sailor, he was viewed at Renault as someone who upped the competitiveness of the company's factories as well as embracing digital transformations.

"He's someone who is open, poised, who listens but at the same time knows when to take a position," Franck Daout, a union leader who represents some Renault workers, said earlier this year.

The man chosen to temporarily replace fallen auto star Carlos Ghosn at Renault is an industry insider with many years of experience working in Asia. Thierry Bollore, a 55-year-old father of five, has been declared deputy CEO to ensure day-to-day management following Ghosn's stunning arrest in Tokyo on charges of under-reporting his pay at Nissan.

The man chosen to temporarily replace fallen auto star Carlos Ghosn at Renault is an industry insider with many years of experience working in Asia. Thierry Bollore, a 55-year-old father of five, has been declared deputy CEO to ensure day-to-day management following Ghosn's stunning arrest in Tokyo on charges of under-reporting his pay at Nissan. Before his temporary elevation to the top of Renault, Bollore was the French car giant's Chief Operating Officer, a position he was promoted to in February in a move widely seen at the time as Ghosn anointing his successor. In many ways the two men began with similar career trajectories. Like Ghosn, Bollore was first spotted as a rising talent at Michelin before he switched to a car manufacturer and made his way into the top ranks. But those who have worked with him paint a somewhat softer portrait than Ghosn, who built a reputation -- and enemies -- as a maverick turnaround specialist who blew a gale through a musty corporate world, especially in Asia. "(He's) very rigorous, very serious, but at the same time warm. He has calm, analytical qualities and he's level-headed," a senior person in the auto sector who worked with Bollore told AFP. "I think that his knowledge of Asia and his skills in relationships with the Japanese will give him an advantage in the succession," added the former colleague, who said he appreciated Bollore's "integrity and loyalty". Business development in China is a major priority for Renault as well as the complex Franco-Japanese coalition between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi. Resentment has long been brewing in Japan over the structure of the alliance, which some say gives French carmaker Renault an undue share of the Japanese company's profits. Renault currently owns 43 per cent of Nissan, while Nissan only owns 15 per cent of Renault. A Financial Times report said Ghosn has been working on a merger of the two carmakers that Nissan opposed because it could relegate the Japanese company to a secondary role. Bollore has plenty of Asia experience to draw on. With Michelin, he held senior posts in the late 1990s in Japan and Thailand. He later joined auto-parts giant Faurecia, spending much time in China in the early 2000s, before moving to Europe and South Africa. He joined Renault in 2012, first as executive vice president for manufacturing and supply chain and then as Chief Competitive Officer until his elevation to Ghosn's de facto deputy in February. A keen sailor, he was viewed at Renault as someone who upped the competitiveness of the company's factories as well as embracing digital transformations. "He's someone who is open, poised, who listens but at the same time knows when to take a position," Franck Daout, a union leader who represents some Renault workers, said earlier this year.

Thierry Bollore declared Nissan deputy CEO after Carlos Ghosn's arrest

Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested on Monday in Tokyo for financial misconduct, news agency AFP reported quoting Japanese media.

"The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office arrested Nissan chairman Ghosn on suspicion of violation of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act," AFP quoted public broadcaster NHK.

Ghosn was accused by automaker Nissan of "significant acts of misconduct" including underreporting his salary. The company also stated that it would move to fire him.&nbsp;Ghosn leads an alliance of Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi.

Nissan, in a statement, noted that a probe has been underway on Ghosn for months after receiving a report from a whistleblower. The company added that it had uncovered misconduct going back several years.&nbsp;

According to reports, Ghosn had used company money for personal use. Ghosn is charged of under-reporting nearly 10 billion yen ($88.70 million) in compensation as nearly 5 billion yen, Reuters reported quoting Jiji news agency.&nbsp;

The reported arrest of Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn will not affect the Japanese automaker's relationship with Renault and Mitsubishi, CEO Hiroto Saikawa said Monday.&nbsp;

"The partnership among the three entities will not be affected by this event, rather we will closely work together with all the partners to contain any possible confusion," Saikawa told reporters after Ghosn's reported arrest for financial misconduct.

Nissan will hold a board meeting on Thursday to fire chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was reportedly under arrest over allegations of financial misconduct, the company's chief executive officer said.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;French automaker Renault's shares&nbsp;tumbled more than 12 per cent on Monday in late-morning trading in Paris after CEO Carlos Ghosn was accused of underreporting his salary as chairman of Japan's Nissan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested on Monday in Tokyo for financial misconduct, news agency AFP reported quoting Japanese media. "The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office arrested Nissan chairman Ghosn on suspicion of violation of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act," AFP quoted public broadcaster NHK.

Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested on Monday in Tokyo for financial misconduct, news agency AFP reported quoting Japanese media. "The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office arrested Nissan chairman Ghosn on suspicion of violation of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act," AFP quoted public broadcaster NHK. Ghosn was accused by automaker Nissan of "significant acts of misconduct" including underreporting his salary. The company also stated that it would move to fire him. Ghosn leads an alliance of Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi. Nissan, in a statement, noted that a probe has been underway on Ghosn for months after receiving a report from a whistleblower. The company added that it had uncovered misconduct going back several years. According to reports, Ghosn had used company money for personal use. Ghosn is charged of under-reporting nearly 10 billion yen ($88.70 million) in compensation as nearly 5 billion yen, Reuters reported quoting Jiji news agency. The reported arrest of Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn will not affect the Japanese automaker's relationship with Renault and Mitsubishi, CEO Hiroto Saikawa said Monday. "The partnership among the three entities will not be affected by this event, rather we will closely work together with all the partners to contain any possible confusion," Saikawa told reporters after Ghosn's reported arrest for financial misconduct. Nissan will hold a board meeting on Thursday to fire chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was reportedly under arrest over allegations of financial misconduct, the company's chief executive officer said. Meanwhile, French automaker Renault's shares tumbled more than 12 per cent on Monday in late-morning trading in Paris after CEO Carlos Ghosn was accused of underreporting his salary as chairman of Japan's Nissan. (With inputs from agencies)

Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn arrested in Tokyo for financial misconduct

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes.

"This match is very important for me," she said afterwards.

Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals.

"I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said.&nbsp;

"Of course."&nbsp;

Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China.

Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play.

"I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters.

"It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best.

"She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end."&nbsp;

In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17.

Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points.

The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes. "This match is very important for me," she said afterwards. Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals. "I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said. "Of course." Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China. Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play. "I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters. "It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best. "She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end." In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17. Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points. The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara defeats Intanon to win maiden Hong Kong Open title

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday became Japan`s first leader to visit the Australian city of Darwin since it was bombed by Japanese forces during World War Two, underlining the strength of their crucial alliance.

Abe and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison laid wreaths at Darwin`s Cenotaph war memorial before observing a minute`s silence to acknowledge war dead and strengthen a bond that has evolved in the decades since.

"We acknowledge our history and we commemorate our sacrifice and loss today, but importantly, we have further strengthened our great relationship as good friends and great partners," Morrison said.&nbsp;

"We acknowledge the special strategic relationship based not only on our deep shared values and interests but our deeply held beliefs."

The leaders of both nations reaffirmed their strategic bond, and pledged to invest in infrastructure in the Pacific and south of the subcontinent, in a counter to the growing influence of China which has stepped up lending as part of its Belt and Road policy.

The leaders also underlined their commitment to free trade and to denuclearise the Korean peninsula as they commemorated soldiers lost in battle.&nbsp; 
"I extended my condolences in honour of all the fallen soldiers, and renew my bow towards peace," Abe said.&nbsp;

"Thanks to the devoted efforts of many, Japan and Australia have achieved reconciliation, and have become special strategic partners."

Two months after the Japanese attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Japanese air forces began bombing the northern Australian port city, the first time the global conflict reached Australian soil.

The first two raids on February 19, 1942, killed about 250 people, according to the Australian War Memorial. Ships, aircraft, and civil and military facilities were destroyed.

There were a further 62 Japanese raids up to November 1943, but the War Memorial said none was as heavy as the first two, and most caused no damage or casualties.

Abe`s visit also marks the start of exports from the $40 billion Ichthys gas project, one of Japan`s biggest ever foreign investments.&nbsp;

Ties between Australia and Japan have improved steadily since the 1950s, including a 2007 "joint security pact" on coordination on matters dealing with maritime and aviation safety.

A $13.5-trillion regional free trade agreement between Australia, Japan and nine other countries takes effect next month.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday became Japan`s first leader to visit the Australian city of Darwin since it was bombed by Japanese forces during World War Two, underlining the strength of their crucial alliance.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday became Japan`s first leader to visit the Australian city of Darwin since it was bombed by Japanese forces during World War Two, underlining the strength of their crucial alliance. Abe and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison laid wreaths at Darwin`s Cenotaph war memorial before observing a minute`s silence to acknowledge war dead and strengthen a bond that has evolved in the decades since. "We acknowledge our history and we commemorate our sacrifice and loss today, but importantly, we have further strengthened our great relationship as good friends and great partners," Morrison said. "We acknowledge the special strategic relationship based not only on our deep shared values and interests but our deeply held beliefs." The leaders of both nations reaffirmed their strategic bond, and pledged to invest in infrastructure in the Pacific and south of the subcontinent, in a counter to the growing influence of China which has stepped up lending as part of its Belt and Road policy. The leaders also underlined their commitment to free trade and to denuclearise the Korean peninsula as they commemorated soldiers lost in battle. "I extended my condolences in honour of all the fallen soldiers, and renew my bow towards peace," Abe said. "Thanks to the devoted efforts of many, Japan and Australia have achieved reconciliation, and have become special strategic partners." Two months after the Japanese attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Japanese air forces began bombing the northern Australian port city, the first time the global conflict reached Australian soil. The first two raids on February 19, 1942, killed about 250 people, according to the Australian War Memorial. Ships, aircraft, and civil and military facilities were destroyed. There were a further 62 Japanese raids up to November 1943, but the War Memorial said none was as heavy as the first two, and most caused no damage or casualties. Abe`s visit also marks the start of exports from the $40 billion Ichthys gas project, one of Japan`s biggest ever foreign investments. Ties between Australia and Japan have improved steadily since the 1950s, including a 2007 "joint security pact" on coordination on matters dealing with maritime and aviation safety. A $13.5-trillion regional free trade agreement between Australia, Japan and nine other countries takes effect next month.

Abe becomes first Japan PM to visit Australia's Darwin since WW2 bombing

Japan and the United States will negotiate a bilateral trade agreement that will serve as a "model" for other countries, US vice-president Mike Pence said Tuesday in Tokyo.

Speaking after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he reiterated Washington's position that US businesses have faced unfair obstacles in Japan.

"The United States has had a trade imbalance with Japan for too long. American products and services too often face barriers to compete fairly in Japanese markets," he said, standing alongside Abe.

"The best opportunity for free, fair and reciprocal trade will come in a bilateral trade agreement."

Abe and US President Donald Trump agreed in September to negotiate a trade pact, easing fears that Japan could be next in line in the White House's tariff offensive.

"When completed we're confident that this agreement will establish terms on goods and services," Pence said.

"The coming US-Japan trade agreement will be a model for the Indo-Pacific."

The United States and Japan, the world's first and third largest economies, together make up about 30 per cent of global GDP and have long had trade ties that are both fractious and interconnected.

Under Trump's predecessor, both countries were part of the broad deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was intended to serve as a bulwark against growing Chinese influence.

But Trump withdrew from the multilateral trade agreement shortly after taking office, and has been vocal about his preference for bilateral deals negotiated on terms more favourable for Washington.

Abe had hoped to see Washington return to the TPP, but agreed to the negotiations -- expected to begin in January -- as Trump upped the ante against other trading partners.

Pence was in Tokyo on a brief stop before attending several regional summits, including the ASEAN meeting in Singapore and APEC talks in Papua New Guinea.

Trump's decision to skip the meetings has raised eyebrows in some quarters, and prompted questions about Washington's commitment to the region, where China is increasingly influential. 
&nbsp;

Japan and the United States will negotiate a bilateral trade agreement that will serve as a "model" for other countries, US vice-president Mike Pence said Tuesday in Tokyo.

Japan and the United States will negotiate a bilateral trade agreement that will serve as a "model" for other countries, US vice-president Mike Pence said Tuesday in Tokyo. Speaking after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he reiterated Washington's position that US businesses have faced unfair obstacles in Japan. "The United States has had a trade imbalance with Japan for too long. American products and services too often face barriers to compete fairly in Japanese markets," he said, standing alongside Abe. "The best opportunity for free, fair and reciprocal trade will come in a bilateral trade agreement." Abe and US President Donald Trump agreed in September to negotiate a trade pact, easing fears that Japan could be next in line in the White House's tariff offensive. "When completed we're confident that this agreement will establish terms on goods and services," Pence said. "The coming US-Japan trade agreement will be a model for the Indo-Pacific." The United States and Japan, the world's first and third largest economies, together make up about 30 per cent of global GDP and have long had trade ties that are both fractious and interconnected. Under Trump's predecessor, both countries were part of the broad deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was intended to serve as a bulwark against growing Chinese influence. But Trump withdrew from the multilateral trade agreement shortly after taking office, and has been vocal about his preference for bilateral deals negotiated on terms more favourable for Washington. Abe had hoped to see Washington return to the TPP, but agreed to the negotiations -- expected to begin in January -- as Trump upped the ante against other trading partners. Pence was in Tokyo on a brief stop before attending several regional summits, including the ASEAN meeting in Singapore and APEC talks in Papua New Guinea. Trump's decision to skip the meetings has raised eyebrows in some quarters, and prompted questions about Washington's commitment to the region, where China is increasingly influential.

US-Japan trade agreement will be model for Indo-Pacific: Pence

Roger Federer, chasing a 100th career title, lost to Japan's Kei Nishikori in his opening group match at the ATP Finals.&nbsp;

The Swiss tennis star lost in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to the world number nine.

Federer hit 34 unforced errors and was also given a warning by the umpire for swiping a ball into the stands in the first set.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old will be back in action on Tuesday when he faces Dominic Thiem, who lost to Kevin Anderson earlier on Sunday.

It is the fourth time Federer has lost his opening match at the event, but he can take some comfort from the fact that in 2007 he still went on to win the title.

Nishikori was the far more composed player from that moment on and broke for a 4-2 lead, before closing out the match for a first win over Federer since 2014.

It was Nishikori’s third win over Federer in 10 attempts.

Roger Federer, chasing a 100th career title, lost to Japan's Kei Nishikori in his opening group match at the ATP Finals. The Swiss tennis star lost in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to the world number nine.

Roger Federer, chasing a 100th career title, lost to Japan's Kei Nishikori in his opening group match at the ATP Finals. The Swiss tennis star lost in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to the world number nine. Federer hit 34 unforced errors and was also given a warning by the umpire for swiping a ball into the stands in the first set. The 37-year-old will be back in action on Tuesday when he faces Dominic Thiem, who lost to Kevin Anderson earlier on Sunday. It is the fourth time Federer has lost his opening match at the event, but he can take some comfort from the fact that in 2007 he still went on to win the title. Nishikori was the far more composed player from that moment on and broke for a 4-2 lead, before closing out the match for a first win over Federer since 2014. It was Nishikori’s third win over Federer in 10 attempts.

Roger Federer beaten by Kei Nishikori in ATP Finals opener

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was one of ten people in Tokyo on Tuesday (November 6) to receive one of Japan's most prestigious awards from Emperor Akihito.

The 93-year-old, who is on his third trip to Japan since taking office in May, received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, traditionally conferred on politicians, former prime ministers, ministers, diplomats and judges at the Imperial palace and directly from the Emperor.

Other foreign statesmen to receive the prize included Singapore's founding father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, and India's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

It was expected to be the last award ceremony conducted by Akihito before he abdicates on April 30, 2019.

After the ceremony, Mahathir sat down for talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe. The pair reportedly discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, as well as various investments and regional issues.

Mahathir later told media he felt honoured to receive the award, and added that he is looking to enhance his "Look East" policy, which aims to strengthen ties with east Asia, with the cooperation of Japan, particularly in the field of education.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was one of ten people in Tokyo on Tuesday (November 6) to receive one of Japan's most prestigious awards from Emperor Akihito.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was one of ten people in Tokyo on Tuesday (November 6) to receive one of Japan's most prestigious awards from Emperor Akihito. The 93-year-old, who is on his third trip to Japan since taking office in May, received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, traditionally conferred on politicians, former prime ministers, ministers, diplomats and judges at the Imperial palace and directly from the Emperor. Other foreign statesmen to receive the prize included Singapore's founding father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, and India's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It was expected to be the last award ceremony conducted by Akihito before he abdicates on April 30, 2019. After the ceremony, Mahathir sat down for talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe. The pair reportedly discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, as well as various investments and regional issues. Mahathir later told media he felt honoured to receive the award, and added that he is looking to enhance his "Look East" policy, which aims to strengthen ties with east Asia, with the cooperation of Japan, particularly in the field of education.

Malaysia's Mahathir visits Tokyo, meets Japan's Emperor and PM Abe

Japan's SoftBank Group said Monday it logged an eight-fold jump in net profit in the six months to September&nbsp;thanks to strong returns from its investment funds.

Net profit rose to 840 billion yen (US $7.4 billion) from 103 billion yen during the same period last year, the Japanese mobile giant and IT investor said.

The rise was largely driven by gains of 649 billion yen from the SoftBank Vision Fund, which compared to 194 billion yen in the previous period.

Under tycoon CEO Masayoshi Son, SoftBank, which started as a software firm, has increasingly been seen as an investment firm, ploughing funds into a broad range of companies and projects outside its core business.

In recent years, it has completed deals with the likes of French robotics firm Aldebaran and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

Nearly half of the money in the SoftBank Vision Fund comes from Saudi Arabia and there has been a pledge of another US $45 billion this year.

But Son was missing from a high-profile Saudi investment forum last month along with dozens of global business titans amid concerns that journalist Jamal Khashoggi may have been killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey.

Japan's SoftBank Group said Monday it logged an eight-fold jump in net profit in the six months to September thanks to strong returns from its investment funds. Net profit rose to 840 billion yen (US $7.

Japan's SoftBank Group said Monday it logged an eight-fold jump in net profit in the six months to September thanks to strong returns from its investment funds. Net profit rose to 840 billion yen (US $7.4 billion) from 103 billion yen during the same period last year, the Japanese mobile giant and IT investor said. The rise was largely driven by gains of 649 billion yen from the SoftBank Vision Fund, which compared to 194 billion yen in the previous period. Under tycoon CEO Masayoshi Son, SoftBank, which started as a software firm, has increasingly been seen as an investment firm, ploughing funds into a broad range of companies and projects outside its core business. In recent years, it has completed deals with the likes of French robotics firm Aldebaran and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. Nearly half of the money in the SoftBank Vision Fund comes from Saudi Arabia and there has been a pledge of another US $45 billion this year. But Son was missing from a high-profile Saudi investment forum last month along with dozens of global business titans amid concerns that journalist Jamal Khashoggi may have been killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey.

SoftBank posts eight-fold jump in first-half net profit

A shallow 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on Monday, the US Geological Survey said.

The moderate quake hit at a depth of eight kilometres, 107 kilometres northeast of Shibetsu. USGS said there was a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

It comes after a powerful 6.6-magnitude quake in September rocked Hokkaido, triggering landslides, collapsing houses and killing more than 40.

Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year.

But rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage.

A shallow 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on Monday, the US Geological Survey said. The moderate quake hit at a depth of eight kilometres, 107 kilometres northeast of Shibetsu.

A shallow 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on Monday, the US Geological Survey said. The moderate quake hit at a depth of eight kilometres, 107 kilometres northeast of Shibetsu. USGS said there was a low likelihood of casualties and damage. It comes after a powerful 6.6-magnitude quake in September rocked Hokkaido, triggering landslides, collapsing houses and killing more than 40. Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year. But rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage.

5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes off Japan's Hokkaido:  US Geological Survey

Sri Lanka's deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island.

The move to hold back project financing, along with the EU's warning it could withdraw duty-free concessions for Sri Lankan exports if it didn't stick to commitments on national reconciliation, will further strain the economy, Wickremesinghe told Reuters in an interview.

President Maithripala Sirisena fired him last month after months of tensions within the government and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as premier in a shock move that has plunged the nation into a political crisis.

Rajapaksa is a former president who led the country to a military defeat of Tamil separatist guerrillas in 2009 but who has since faced widespread allegations of human rights abuse and targeting of Tamil civilians.

Wickremesinghe, who has challenged his dismissal and vowed to remain, prime minister, until parliament voted him out, said there were international concerns about a government led by Rajapaksa.

"Countries are sensitive, they have concerns (about a government led by Rajapaksa) democratic countries have concerns," he said in the interview conducted in the prime minister's official residence in a colonial-era bungalow where Wickremesinghe is camping along with his supporters.

The United States has held off on a nearly $500 million aid programme for building of highways and improving land administration by the government-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Wickremesinghe said.

Japan had also put on hold plans to extend a soft loan of $1.4 billion for a light railway project, he said. "A lot of projects are held up, the Millennium Challenge, the Japanese loan," he said.

The Sri Lankan embassy in Washington has been informally told by the MCC that around $480 million will be on hold because of the latest situation in the country, a Sri Lankan foreign ministry official separately confirmed to Reuters.

An official at the Sri Lankan ministry of Megapolis and Western Development also confirmed the freeze to Reuters on the Japanese loan, imperilling the project.

An official at the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the agency was closely monitoring political developments and the railway project loan had been withheld.

The US&nbsp;embassy in Colombo had no immediate comment when asked if Washington is taking any measures due to the Sri Lankan political crisis.

The United States and the EU have urged the president to immediately summon parliament and let deputies decide who is to lead the country. Sirisena suspended parliament until Nov. 16 and has made no public statement on his plans.

While Wickremesinghe is staying on in the premier's residence called Temple Trees, Rajapaksa has taken over the offices of the prime minister following his swearing-in.

Wickremesinghe said his party will step up a public campaign for parliament to be called and he be allowed to prove his majority. "We are all contemplating alternative actions, this includes a big mobilisation of people. Ultimately this has to be decided in parliament."

Soon after taking over Rajapaksa said he wanted to end the "politics of hate" in the country and that his government will work for justice for all citizens.

Sri Lanka's deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island.

Sri Lanka's deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the United States and Japan had frozen more than a billion dollars of development aid after his abrupt dismissal raised doubts about the future of democracy in the island. The move to hold back project financing, along with the EU's warning it could withdraw duty-free concessions for Sri Lankan exports if it didn't stick to commitments on national reconciliation, will further strain the economy, Wickremesinghe told Reuters in an interview. President Maithripala Sirisena fired him last month after months of tensions within the government and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as premier in a shock move that has plunged the nation into a political crisis. Rajapaksa is a former president who led the country to a military defeat of Tamil separatist guerrillas in 2009 but who has since faced widespread allegations of human rights abuse and targeting of Tamil civilians. Wickremesinghe, who has challenged his dismissal and vowed to remain, prime minister, until parliament voted him out, said there were international concerns about a government led by Rajapaksa. "Countries are sensitive, they have concerns (about a government led by Rajapaksa) democratic countries have concerns," he said in the interview conducted in the prime minister's official residence in a colonial-era bungalow where Wickremesinghe is camping along with his supporters. The United States has held off on a nearly $500 million aid programme for building of highways and improving land administration by the government-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Wickremesinghe said. Japan had also put on hold plans to extend a soft loan of $1.4 billion for a light railway project, he said. "A lot of projects are held up, the Millennium Challenge, the Japanese loan," he said. The Sri Lankan embassy in Washington has been informally told by the MCC that around $480 million will be on hold because of the latest situation in the country, a Sri Lankan foreign ministry official separately confirmed to Reuters. An official at the Sri Lankan ministry of Megapolis and Western Development also confirmed the freeze to Reuters on the Japanese loan, imperilling the project. An official at the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the agency was closely monitoring political developments and the railway project loan had been withheld. The US embassy in Colombo had no immediate comment when asked if Washington is taking any measures due to the Sri Lankan political crisis. The United States and the EU have urged the president to immediately summon parliament and let deputies decide who is to lead the country. Sirisena suspended parliament until Nov. 16 and has made no public statement on his plans. While Wickremesinghe is staying on in the premier's residence called Temple Trees, Rajapaksa has taken over the offices of the prime minister following his swearing-in. Wickremesinghe said his party will step up a public campaign for parliament to be called and he be allowed to prove his majority. "We are all contemplating alternative actions, this includes a big mobilisation of people. Ultimately this has to be decided in parliament." Soon after taking over Rajapaksa said he wanted to end the "politics of hate" in the country and that his government will work for justice for all citizens.

Sri Lanka's ousted PM Wickremesinghe says US, Japan freeze aid over political crisis

US fighter jets darted over the Western Pacific on Saturday as the nuclear powered USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier joined Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship for the biggest combat readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan.

Japan and the United States have mobilized 57,000 sailors, marines and airmen for the biennial Keen Sword exercise, 11,000 more than in 2016, with simulated air combat, amphibious landings and ballistic missile defence drills. Japan's contingent of 47,000 personnel represents a fifth of the nation's armed forces.

"We are here to stabilize, and preserve our capability should it be needed. Exercises like Keen Sword are exactly the kind of thing we need to do," Rear Admiral Karl Thomas, the commander of the carrier strike group, said during a press briefing in Reagan's focsle as F-18 fighter jets catapulted off the flight deck above him.

Eight other ships joined the carrier for anti-submarine warfare drills in a show of force in waters that Washington and Tokyo fear will increasingly come under Beijing's influence.

"The US-Japan alliance is essential for stability in this region and the wider Indo Pacific," Rear Admiral Hiroshi Egawa, the commander of the Japanese ships said aboard the Reagan

Based in Yokosuka near Tokyo, it is the biggest US warship in Asia, with a crew of 5,000 sailors and around 90 F-18 Super Hornets fighters.

CANADA JOINS

A Canadian naval supply ship is also taking part in Keen Sword along with the frigate that sailed with the Reagan on Saturday.

Canadian participation is taking a bilateral drill which began in 1986 "into the realm of multilateral exercises," Canada's defence attache in Japan, Captain Hugues Canuel said in Tokyo. Participation in Keen Sword, he added, reflects Canada's desire to have a military presence in Asia.

Canada isn't the only western nation looking to take a bigger security role in the region. Britain and France are also sending more ships as China's military presence in the South China Sea grows and its influence over the Indo Pacific and its key trade routes expand.

British, French, Australian and South Korean observers will also monitor Keen Sword, which began Monday and ends on Thursday.

BOLDER JAPAN

Growing foreign interest in Asian security, including North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, coincides with greater Japanese willingness to back up its regional diplomacy with a show of military muscle.

Tokyo this year sent its biggest warship, the Kaga helicopter carrier, on a two-month tour of the Indo Pacific, including flag-waving stops in the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Singapore.

The 248 meters (813.65 ft) long Maritime Self Defence Force ship and its two destroyer escorts also conducted drills with a Japanese submarine in the contested South China Sea.

At the same time, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has engaged China in dialogue to reduce tension between their militaries in the East China Sea and to increase economic cooperation between Asia's two leading economies.

Amid a background of trade friction with Washington, Abe last month travelled to Beijing, the first such trip by a Japanese leader in seven years, for talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. Abe told them that China and Japan shared responsibility for regional security, including tackling North Korean.

Japan, however, still views China as a potentially much larger and more challenging foe than Pyongyang as its expanding navy consolidates control of the South China Sea and ventures deeper into the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

Beijing this year plans to spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($160 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan and about a third of what the US pays for a military that helps defend the Japanese islands.

Keen Sword "remains an expression of the commitment of like-minded allies and partners. To really see what we can do in terms of demonstrating advanced capabilities together to ensure peace and stability in the Indo Pacific," Chief of US Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said on Thursday in Australia during a telephone press briefing.

US fighter jets darted over the Western Pacific on Saturday as the nuclear powered USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier joined Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship for the biggest combat readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan.

US fighter jets darted over the Western Pacific on Saturday as the nuclear powered USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier joined Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship for the biggest combat readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan. Japan and the United States have mobilized 57,000 sailors, marines and airmen for the biennial Keen Sword exercise, 11,000 more than in 2016, with simulated air combat, amphibious landings and ballistic missile defence drills. Japan's contingent of 47,000 personnel represents a fifth of the nation's armed forces. "We are here to stabilize, and preserve our capability should it be needed. Exercises like Keen Sword are exactly the kind of thing we need to do," Rear Admiral Karl Thomas, the commander of the carrier strike group, said during a press briefing in Reagan's focsle as F-18 fighter jets catapulted off the flight deck above him. Eight other ships joined the carrier for anti-submarine warfare drills in a show of force in waters that Washington and Tokyo fear will increasingly come under Beijing's influence. "The US-Japan alliance is essential for stability in this region and the wider Indo Pacific," Rear Admiral Hiroshi Egawa, the commander of the Japanese ships said aboard the Reagan Based in Yokosuka near Tokyo, it is the biggest US warship in Asia, with a crew of 5,000 sailors and around 90 F-18 Super Hornets fighters. CANADA JOINS A Canadian naval supply ship is also taking part in Keen Sword along with the frigate that sailed with the Reagan on Saturday. Canadian participation is taking a bilateral drill which began in 1986 "into the realm of multilateral exercises," Canada's defence attache in Japan, Captain Hugues Canuel said in Tokyo. Participation in Keen Sword, he added, reflects Canada's desire to have a military presence in Asia. Canada isn't the only western nation looking to take a bigger security role in the region. Britain and France are also sending more ships as China's military presence in the South China Sea grows and its influence over the Indo Pacific and its key trade routes expand. British, French, Australian and South Korean observers will also monitor Keen Sword, which began Monday and ends on Thursday. BOLDER JAPAN Growing foreign interest in Asian security, including North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, coincides with greater Japanese willingness to back up its regional diplomacy with a show of military muscle. Tokyo this year sent its biggest warship, the Kaga helicopter carrier, on a two-month tour of the Indo Pacific, including flag-waving stops in the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Singapore. The 248 meters (813.65 ft) long Maritime Self Defence Force ship and its two destroyer escorts also conducted drills with a Japanese submarine in the contested South China Sea. At the same time, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has engaged China in dialogue to reduce tension between their militaries in the East China Sea and to increase economic cooperation between Asia's two leading economies. Amid a background of trade friction with Washington, Abe last month travelled to Beijing, the first such trip by a Japanese leader in seven years, for talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. Abe told them that China and Japan shared responsibility for regional security, including tackling North Korean. Japan, however, still views China as a potentially much larger and more challenging foe than Pyongyang as its expanding navy consolidates control of the South China Sea and ventures deeper into the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Beijing this year plans to spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($160 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan and about a third of what the US pays for a military that helps defend the Japanese islands. Keen Sword "remains an expression of the commitment of like-minded allies and partners. To really see what we can do in terms of demonstrating advanced capabilities together to ensure peace and stability in the Indo Pacific," Chief of US Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said on Thursday in Australia during a telephone press briefing.

US carrier leads warships in biggest ever Japan defence war game

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet approved draft legislation on Friday to open the door to more overseas blue-collar workers in sectors grappling with labour shortages, a controversial policy shift in immigration-shy Japan.

Japan's immigration debate is heating up even as US&nbsp;President Donald Trump puts the topic front and centre for next week's Congressional mid-term elections.

Immigration has long been taboo as many Japanese prize ethnic homogeneity, but the reality of an ageing, shrinking population is challenging such views.

Despite misgivings in Abe's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), parliament is likely to adopt the revisions in the face of intense pressure from businesses battling the tightest labour market in decades, although opposition parties could delay.

The revised law would create two new visa categories for foreigners in sectors with labour shortages. While not spelt out, they are expected to be more than a dozen, from farming and construction to hotels and nursing care.

Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita on Thursday ruled out a numerical cap, but media said 500,000 blue-collar workers could be allowed in overtime, up 40 per cent from the 1.28 million foreign workers now forming about 2 per cent of the workforce.

Workers in the first visa category must have a certain level of skills and Japanese language ability. They would not be allowed to bring family members for a stay of up to five years.

But those with higher skills, in the second category, could bring family and eventually get residency.

Japan has grown more accepting of foreign labour but the focus has been on professionals and the highly skilled.

For blue-collar workers, employers mostly rely on a "technical trainees" system and foreign students working part-time, loopholes critics say are abused.

"Today it is quite difficult for foreigners to get ... jobs as security guards," said Shigeki Yawata, security manager at security firm Executive Protection Inc, which has employed non-Japanese for more than a dozen years. "The Olympic Games are coming up and the government is working on inbound tourism, so we would like to have more foreigners, too."

LDP lawmakers signed off on the bill after heated party debate. Many expressed concerns about crime and a negative effect on wages. Opposition politicians accuse the government of undue haste without protecting foreign workers' rights.

"The LDP decision was ... pushed by businesses with a serious shortage of workers," said Toshihiro Menju, managing director of the Japan Center for International Exchange, a think tank.

Abe has said the changes do not constitute an "immigration policy", out of an apparent desire not to upset his conservative backers. Many experts differ.

"I think this is a de facto shift to an immigration policy," Hidenori Sakanaka, a former head of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau, told Reuters.

The tiny nationalist "Japan First Party" has protested against the changes for reasons such as fears foreigners would inflate welfare rolls and crime rates, it says on its website.

A recent survey by the Yomiuri newspaper, however, showed 51 per cent of Japanese voters favoured letting in more unskilled foreign workers and about 43 per cent backed recognising "immigration" - about the same percentage as those opposed.

"I think it’s a good thing as long as there is a support system for the foreigners," said retiree Yoshio Sai. "I wish they could make more work opportunities for us old people too."

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet approved draft legislation on Friday to open the door to more overseas blue-collar workers in sectors grappling with labour shortages, a controversial policy shift in immigration-shy Japan.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet approved draft legislation on Friday to open the door to more overseas blue-collar workers in sectors grappling with labour shortages, a controversial policy shift in immigration-shy Japan. Japan's immigration debate is heating up even as US President Donald Trump puts the topic front and centre for next week's Congressional mid-term elections. Immigration has long been taboo as many Japanese prize ethnic homogeneity, but the reality of an ageing, shrinking population is challenging such views. Despite misgivings in Abe's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), parliament is likely to adopt the revisions in the face of intense pressure from businesses battling the tightest labour market in decades, although opposition parties could delay. The revised law would create two new visa categories for foreigners in sectors with labour shortages. While not spelt out, they are expected to be more than a dozen, from farming and construction to hotels and nursing care. Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita on Thursday ruled out a numerical cap, but media said 500,000 blue-collar workers could be allowed in overtime, up 40 per cent from the 1.28 million foreign workers now forming about 2 per cent of the workforce. Workers in the first visa category must have a certain level of skills and Japanese language ability. They would not be allowed to bring family members for a stay of up to five years. But those with higher skills, in the second category, could bring family and eventually get residency. Japan has grown more accepting of foreign labour but the focus has been on professionals and the highly skilled. For blue-collar workers, employers mostly rely on a "technical trainees" system and foreign students working part-time, loopholes critics say are abused. "Today it is quite difficult for foreigners to get ... jobs as security guards," said Shigeki Yawata, security manager at security firm Executive Protection Inc, which has employed non-Japanese for more than a dozen years. "The Olympic Games are coming up and the government is working on inbound tourism, so we would like to have more foreigners, too." LDP lawmakers signed off on the bill after heated party debate. Many expressed concerns about crime and a negative effect on wages. Opposition politicians accuse the government of undue haste without protecting foreign workers' rights. "The LDP decision was ... pushed by businesses with a serious shortage of workers," said Toshihiro Menju, managing director of the Japan Center for International Exchange, a think tank. Abe has said the changes do not constitute an "immigration policy", out of an apparent desire not to upset his conservative backers. Many experts differ. "I think this is a de facto shift to an immigration policy," Hidenori Sakanaka, a former head of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau, told Reuters. The tiny nationalist "Japan First Party" has protested against the changes for reasons such as fears foreigners would inflate welfare rolls and crime rates, it says on its website. A recent survey by the Yomiuri newspaper, however, showed 51 per cent of Japanese voters favoured letting in more unskilled foreign workers and about 43 per cent backed recognising "immigration" - about the same percentage as those opposed. "I think it’s a good thing as long as there is a support system for the foreigners," said retiree Yoshio Sai. "I wish they could make more work opportunities for us old people too."

Japan aims to open door for foreign blue-collar workers

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis.

Japan&nbsp;and India signed a US $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement on Monday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo.

The agreement will further strengthen and widen the depth and diversity of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters, Aso also said the US $30 billion currency swap deal&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;signed with China last week would support&nbsp;Japanese companies and banks operating in China if they had trouble exchanging yen for yuan.

“India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of $75 billion. This swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last swap agreement,” finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted.&nbsp;

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India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of 75 billion dollars. This Swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last Swap agreement. This bilateral swap reflects depth of our deeper economic relationship.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1056861791198867456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Japan, and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held delegation-level talks during which the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis. Japan and India signed a US $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement on Monday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo. The agreement will further strengthen and widen the depth and diversity of economic cooperation between the two countries. Speaking to reporters, Aso also said the US $30 billion currency swap deal Japan signed with China last week would support Japanese companies and banks operating in China if they had trouble exchanging yen for yuan. “India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of $75 billion. This swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last swap agreement,” finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted. India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of 75 billion dollars. This Swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last Swap agreement. This bilateral swap reflects depth of our deeper economic relationship. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) October 29, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Japan, and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held delegation-level talks during which the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

India, Japan sign $75 billion currency swap agreement

Addressing the Make in India event in Tokyo, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-going-through-massive-transformative-phase-today-modi-in-japan-174086">Prime Minister Modi</a> on Monday highlighted the ease of doing business in&nbsp;India and also invited the Japanese to invest in the country.

Prime Minister Modi said in order to promote the "ease of doing business"&nbsp;in the country, the Indian government has started ranking its 36 states and Union territories. The ranking&nbsp;has resulted in a healthy competition between the states and the UTs and has already started giving better results".

PM Modi said, "Some years ago, I spoke about making a mini-Japan in India. It's a matter of great happiness for me that today, you are working in an even larger number in India".

He further said, "When I took over the responsibility of the government in 2014, India was at 140th position in the 'ease of doing business' ranking of the World Bank. Now India has reached 100th position and we are working towards better ranking".

Highlighting the benefits of doing business in India, PM Modi said that low-cost manufacturing and competitive labour cost would further enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Inviting the Japanese businessmen to invest in India, he said Indian software and Japanese hardware&nbsp;will&nbsp;give great results together.

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भारत में व्यापार करने का एक फायदा Low cost manufacturing भी है। उसके पीछे भारत में Competitive Labour Cost एक बहुत बड़ी ताकत है। 
 
उसी तरह से हमारी IT industry एक बहुत बड़ी शक्ति है। मैंने पहले भी यहां आकर कहा है, हमारा Software और आपका Hardware मिल जाए, तो कमाल हो सकता है: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1056777368876941312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Referring to the new technological inventions like the AI, IoT, 3D Printing, Robotics in India, PM Modi said that the country was moving towards Industry 4.0. He said India&nbsp;and Japan's collaboration was going to yield better results for the two countries in the field of Electric Mobility.

The Prime Minister finally concluded by inviting Japanese businessmen to invest in the country and said he has always talked about Strong India-Strong Japan.

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मैं हमेशा ही Strong India – Strong Japan की बात करता रहा हूं। 
 
मैं आज इस अवसर पर जापान के उद्यमी वर्ग का भारत पर विशेष विश्वास करने के लिए आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। 
 
मैं आप सभी को भारत में निवेश की गति बढ़ाने के लिए भी आमंत्रित करना चाहूंगा: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1056778645585285120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The "Make in India: India-Japan Partnership in Africa and Digital Partnership"&nbsp;seminar held in Tokyo was also attended by&nbsp;National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

Addressing the Make in India event in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi on Monday highlighted the ease of doing business in India and also invited the Japanese to invest in the country.

Addressing the Make in India event in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi on Monday highlighted the ease of doing business in India and also invited the Japanese to invest in the country. Prime Minister Modi said in order to promote the "ease of doing business" in the country, the Indian government has started ranking its 36 states and Union territories. The ranking has resulted in a healthy competition between the states and the UTs and has already started giving better results". PM Modi said, "Some years ago, I spoke about making a mini-Japan in India. It's a matter of great happiness for me that today, you are working in an even larger number in India". He further said, "When I took over the responsibility of the government in 2014, India was at 140th position in the 'ease of doing business' ranking of the World Bank. Now India has reached 100th position and we are working towards better ranking". Highlighting the benefits of doing business in India, PM Modi said that low-cost manufacturing and competitive labour cost would further enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Inviting the Japanese businessmen to invest in India, he said Indian software and Japanese hardware will give great results together. भारत में व्यापार करने का एक फायदा Low cost manufacturing भी है। उसके पीछे भारत में Competitive Labour Cost एक बहुत बड़ी ताकत है। उसी तरह से हमारी IT industry एक बहुत बड़ी शक्ति है। मैंने पहले भी यहां आकर कहा है, हमारा Software और आपका Hardware मिल जाए, तो कमाल हो सकता है: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2018 × Referring to the new technological inventions like the AI, IoT, 3D Printing, Robotics in India, PM Modi said that the country was moving towards Industry 4.0. He said India and Japan's collaboration was going to yield better results for the two countries in the field of Electric Mobility. The Prime Minister finally concluded by inviting Japanese businessmen to invest in the country and said he has always talked about Strong India-Strong Japan. मैं हमेशा ही Strong India – Strong Japan की बात करता रहा हूं। मैं आज इस अवसर पर जापान के उद्यमी वर्ग का भारत पर विशेष विश्वास करने के लिए आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। मैं आप सभी को भारत में निवेश की गति बढ़ाने के लिए भी आमंत्रित करना चाहूंगा: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2018 × The "Make in India: India-Japan Partnership in Africa and Digital Partnership" seminar held in Tokyo was also attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

PM Modi urges Japan to invest in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian community in Tokyo, Japan on Monday. Modi is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-japanese-counterpart-shinzo-abe-to-discuss-regional-global-issues-173927">in Japan on a two-day visit</a> to attend the India-Japan summit.&nbsp;

In his talk to the Indian community, Modi said "India is going through a massive transformative phase today".&nbsp;

He added that the "world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity".&nbsp;

Modi said India is making "tremendous progress" on its digital infrastructure and that 1 GB of data today is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink.&nbsp;

"Broadband connectivity is reaching villages, over 100 crore mobile phones are active in India, 1 GB is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink," Modi said, adding that "this data is becoming the tool for service delivery".&nbsp;

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Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Hiroshige Seko, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, in Tokyo <a href="https://t.co/IsfszQTIAS">pic.twitter.com/IsfszQTIAS</a>
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India is going through a massive transformative phase today. The world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity. The policies being made in India, the work being done towards public welfare, for these the nation is being felicitated today: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/DJx1umWYYN">pic.twitter.com/DJx1umWYYN</a>
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Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics&amp;automobile manufacturing.We're rapidly moving towards being no.1 in mobile phones manufacturing: PM <a href="https://t.co/sGXXC6ocGU">pic.twitter.com/sGXXC6ocGU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056716459123052546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Japanese venture capitalists met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tokyo, Japan today. <a href="https://t.co/rc0fBzOIc3">pic.twitter.com/rc0fBzOIc3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056721872686063618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi added that India is making quality products not only for India but also the world. And that India is "rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing".&nbsp;

"Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics and automobile manufacturing. We're rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing."

And he repeated his August 15 promise to send an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-space-mission-to-women-empowerment-excerpts-from-pm-narendra-modis-fifth-independence-day-speech-159254?amp">Indian into space by 2022</a>.&nbsp;

"Last year our scientists created record by launching over 100 satellites into space simultaneously. We sent Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan at very low expense. India is preparing to send Gaganyaan into space by 2022. &nbsp;It'll be Indian in all ways and one travelling in it will also be an Indian."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian community in Tokyo, Japan on Monday. Modi is in Japan on a two-day visit to attend the India-Japan summit. In his talk to the Indian community, Modi said "India is going through a massive transformative phase today".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian community in Tokyo, Japan on Monday. Modi is in Japan on a two-day visit to attend the India-Japan summit. In his talk to the Indian community, Modi said "India is going through a massive transformative phase today". He added that the "world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity". Modi said India is making "tremendous progress" on its digital infrastructure and that 1 GB of data today is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink. "Broadband connectivity is reaching villages, over 100 crore mobile phones are active in India, 1 GB is cheaper than a small bottle of cold drink," Modi said, adding that "this data is becoming the tool for service delivery". Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Hiroshige Seko, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, in Tokyo pic.twitter.com/IsfszQTIAS — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × India is going through a massive transformative phase today. The world is appreciating India for its efforts towards services towards humanity. The policies being made in India, the work being done towards public welfare, for these the nation is being felicitated today: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/DJx1umWYYN — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics&automobile manufacturing.We're rapidly moving towards being no.1 in mobile phones manufacturing: PM pic.twitter.com/sGXXC6ocGU — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Japanese venture capitalists met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tokyo, Japan today. pic.twitter.com/rc0fBzOIc3 — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × Modi added that India is making quality products not only for India but also the world. And that India is "rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing". "Make in India emerged as global brand today.We're manufacturing quality products not only for India but for world.India is becoming a global hub, especially in field of electronics and automobile manufacturing. We're rapidly moving towards being no. 1 in mobile phones manufacturing." And he repeated his August 15 promise to send an Indian into space by 2022. "Last year our scientists created record by launching over 100 satellites into space simultaneously. We sent Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan at very low expense. India is preparing to send Gaganyaan into space by 2022. It'll be Indian in all ways and one travelling in it will also be an Indian."

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13th India-Japan annual summit: Know what benefits can this summit bring to both countries

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe visited the FANUC Industrial facility in Yamanashi during the Prime Minister`s official two-day visit to the Asian nation.

In a visit held after lunch on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi was briefed on the various robotic and automation capabilities of the Japanese company.&nbsp;

Both the leaders also witnessed the assembling of a motor by a robot in 40 seconds at the facility, along with viewing several illustrations of the working of industrial robots.

The leaders then headed towards Prime Minister Abe`s private villa in the prefecture, where he hosted his Indian counterpart. Post this, the two leaders left for Tokyo by train.

The prime ministers had earlier dined together at a hotel in Yamanashi with Mount Fuji in the backdrop.

Prime Minister Modi had arrived in Japan for a two-day visit on October 27.&nbsp;

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Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Tokyo by Express Train Kaiji with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe from Yamanashi. <a href="https://t.co/c8ToOYxAXD">pic.twitter.com/c8ToOYxAXD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056506582069075969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The leaders are scheduled to hold the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit, during which wide-ranging talks on strengthening collaboration in key areas such as Defence, security, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and technology are slated to be held.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi will address members of the Indian community on October 29 before commencing his official engagements.&nbsp;

He will also meet several Japanese business leaders and address the India-Japan business forum.

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056508406129983488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe visited the FANUC Industrial facility in Yamanashi during the Prime Minister`s official two-day visit to the Asian nation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe visited the FANUC Industrial facility in Yamanashi during the Prime Minister`s official two-day visit to the Asian nation. In a visit held after lunch on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi was briefed on the various robotic and automation capabilities of the Japanese company. Both the leaders also witnessed the assembling of a motor by a robot in 40 seconds at the facility, along with viewing several illustrations of the working of industrial robots. The leaders then headed towards Prime Minister Abe`s private villa in the prefecture, where he hosted his Indian counterpart. Post this, the two leaders left for Tokyo by train. The prime ministers had earlier dined together at a hotel in Yamanashi with Mount Fuji in the backdrop. Prime Minister Modi had arrived in Japan for a two-day visit on October 27. Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Tokyo by Express Train Kaiji with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe from Yamanashi. pic.twitter.com/c8ToOYxAXD — ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2018 × The leaders are scheduled to hold the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit, during which wide-ranging talks on strengthening collaboration in key areas such as Defence, security, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and technology are slated to be held. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi will address members of the Indian community on October 29 before commencing his official engagements. He will also meet several Japanese business leaders and address the India-Japan business forum. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Tokyo by Express Train Kaiji with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe from Yamanashi. #Japan pic.twitter.com/tLqcs0464n — ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2018 ×

PM Modi, Shinzo Abe visit automation facility in Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Yamanashi, Japan on Sunday.

Modi is in Japan on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-tokyo-for-13th-india-japan-annual-summit-173867">two-day state visit</a> during which he will also attend the 13th India-Japan summit.&nbsp;The two countries have an annual summit.&nbsp;

This will be Modi's twelfth meeting with Abe since the Indian prime minister first Japan in September 2014.

Modi and Abe are expected, over the summit,&nbsp;to discuss a number of issues including defence and regional security.&nbsp;

"Landed in Tokyo. I am confident this visit will add new vigour to the strong friendship between India and Japan," Modi said in a tweet on Saturday.

In a statement on Friday, before leaving for Japan, Modi described India and Japan as a "winning combination" and said the island nation was New Delhi's most trusted partner in its economic and technological modernisation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Prime Ministers <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> meet at Yamanashi. They would be holding talks through the day on deepening India-Japan ties. <a href="https://t.co/T9eGZ3yuVx">pic.twitter.com/T9eGZ3yuVx</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1056401734526918656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe receives PM Narendra Modi at hotel Mount Fuji in Yamanashi <a href="https://t.co/FoablhOqlc">pic.twitter.com/FoablhOqlc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056393984745095168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi presented Japanese PM Shinzo Abe two handcrafted stone bowls made from rose quartz and yellow quartz stone and hand-woven Dhurries by the weavers of Mirzapur, UP, specially crafted on the occasion of his visit to Japan for India-Japan annual summit: Sources <a href="https://t.co/M9ZDaeQWIC">pic.twitter.com/M9ZDaeQWIC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056438006557696001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On landing in Japan, Modi met with the Indian community at Tokyo's Imperial Hotel.&nbsp;

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I thank Japan's Indian community for their warm welcome. 
 
We are proud of the accomplishments of the Indian diaspora. <a href="https://t.co/N51w7nPJpo">pic.twitter.com/N51w7nPJpo</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1056194743862882304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Modi will join his Japanese counterpart for an informal lunch at a hotel. The two leaders will then visit a company which is a leading manufacturer of factory automation.

Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

It is said the prime minister's visit will reaffirm the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries and strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation in diverse fields.

India is also hoping to have some kind of synergy or integration between Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the largest medicare programme of its kind globally, and the Japanese programme which is called Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative.

Prime Minister in his statement said projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflected the high level and "strength of our economic engagement".&nbsp;

"Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start Up India'... Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said. 
Modi will also address the Indian community function in Tokyo and will attend a series of business events and address the business forum.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Yamanashi, Japan on Sunday. Modi is in Japan on a two-day state visit during which he will also attend the 13th India-Japan summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Yamanashi, Japan on Sunday. Modi is in Japan on a two-day state visit during which he will also attend the 13th India-Japan summit. The two countries have an annual summit. This will be Modi's twelfth meeting with Abe since the Indian prime minister first Japan in September 2014. Modi and Abe are expected, over the summit, to discuss a number of issues including defence and regional security. "Landed in Tokyo. I am confident this visit will add new vigour to the strong friendship between India and Japan," Modi said in a tweet on Saturday. In a statement on Friday, before leaving for Japan, Modi described India and Japan as a "winning combination" and said the island nation was New Delhi's most trusted partner in its economic and technological modernisation. Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @AbeShinzo meet at Yamanashi. They would be holding talks through the day on deepening India-Japan ties. pic.twitter.com/T9eGZ3yuVx — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 28, 2018 × #WATCH: Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe receives PM Narendra Modi at hotel Mount Fuji in Yamanashi pic.twitter.com/FoablhOqlc — ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2018 × PM Narendra Modi presented Japanese PM Shinzo Abe two handcrafted stone bowls made from rose quartz and yellow quartz stone and hand-woven Dhurries by the weavers of Mirzapur, UP, specially crafted on the occasion of his visit to Japan for India-Japan annual summit: Sources pic.twitter.com/M9ZDaeQWIC — ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2018 × On landing in Japan, Modi met with the Indian community at Tokyo's Imperial Hotel. I thank Japan's Indian community for their warm welcome. We are proud of the accomplishments of the Indian diaspora. pic.twitter.com/N51w7nPJpo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2018 × On Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Modi will join his Japanese counterpart for an informal lunch at a hotel. The two leaders will then visit a company which is a leading manufacturer of factory automation. Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. It is said the prime minister's visit will reaffirm the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries and strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation in diverse fields. India is also hoping to have some kind of synergy or integration between Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the largest medicare programme of its kind globally, and the Japanese programme which is called Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative. Prime Minister in his statement said projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflected the high level and "strength of our economic engagement". "Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start Up India'... Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said. Modi will also address the Indian community function in Tokyo and will attend a series of business events and address the business forum. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi meets Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, they will discuss defence and regional security

China and Japan on Friday pledged to forge closer ties as both countries stood together at a "historic turning point", signing a broad range of agreements including a $30 billion currency swap pact, amid rising trade tensions with Washington.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also agreed the two countries would work together to achieve denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula.

The pacts were reached on Abe's three-day visit to Beijing as the two neighbours looked to carve out new areas of cooperation and seek new ways to promote trust, which has been fragile at times since diplomatic relations resumed in 1972.

"From competition to co-existence, Japan and China bilateral relations have entered a new phase. Hand in hand with Premier Li, I would like to advance our ties forward," Abe said at a briefing.

Abe is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping later on Friday in the first full-scale Sino-Japanese summit since 2011.

Japanese firms including big auto companies like Toyota hope to see normalised ties with China so they can compete with US and European rivals, while Beijing expects Tokyo's endorsement of its ambitious Belt and Road programme, an initiative that Xi hopes will further boost trade and transport links with other countries.

Abe also said Tokyo was "determined" to normalise diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, but only if preconditions were met, including denuclearisation and the release of kidnapped Japanese citizens.

"Our two countries bear large responsibility in achieving peace and stability in this region," Abe said.

Efforts in advancing China-Japan ties should "persevere unremittingly to prevent the appearance of new twists and turns" so that previous efforts did not go to waste, said Li at a joint briefing with Abe on Friday.

"The Chinese side is willing to work with the Japanese side to return to a normal track, and maintain the stable, sustained and healthy development of bilateral relations," he said, adding that he had held candid discussions with Abe since his arrival on matters of mutual concerns.

They reached consensus, Li said, that safeguarding long-term healthy and stable China-Japan ties was in accordance with the interests of both countries and the region and the world.

The move to boost economic ties came as China and the United States slap tit-for-tat tariffs on each other in recent months. Japan is at risk as it exports to China manufacturing equipment and electronic parts, which are used to make finished goods for the United States and other markets.

Ahead of the briefing, China and Japan signed an agreement to prepare yearly plans for talks, dialogues and exchanges, as well as a pact to step up cooperation in innovation.

They also agreed to boost cooperation in the securities markets including the listing of exchange-trade funds (ETFs), and facilitate smoother customs clearance.

Both sides signed a currency swap agreement of up to 3.4 trillion yen ($30.29 billion), effective until 2021. They also inked a deal towards establishing a yuan clearing bank.

Li said both sides had agreed that as major countries, China and Japan should uphold free trade and accelerate talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and on a China-Japan-Korea trade zone.

RCEP is a free trade agreement proposed by China with Southeast Asia and various countries on the Pacific Rim including Japan.

China and Japan on Friday pledged to forge closer ties as both countries stood together at a "historic turning point", signing a broad range of agreements including a $30 billion currency swap pact, amid rising trade tensions with Washington.

China and Japan on Friday pledged to forge closer ties as both countries stood together at a "historic turning point", signing a broad range of agreements including a $30 billion currency swap pact, amid rising trade tensions with Washington. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also agreed the two countries would work together to achieve denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula. The pacts were reached on Abe's three-day visit to Beijing as the two neighbours looked to carve out new areas of cooperation and seek new ways to promote trust, which has been fragile at times since diplomatic relations resumed in 1972. "From competition to co-existence, Japan and China bilateral relations have entered a new phase. Hand in hand with Premier Li, I would like to advance our ties forward," Abe said at a briefing. Abe is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping later on Friday in the first full-scale Sino-Japanese summit since 2011. Japanese firms including big auto companies like Toyota hope to see normalised ties with China so they can compete with US and European rivals, while Beijing expects Tokyo's endorsement of its ambitious Belt and Road programme, an initiative that Xi hopes will further boost trade and transport links with other countries. Abe also said Tokyo was "determined" to normalise diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, but only if preconditions were met, including denuclearisation and the release of kidnapped Japanese citizens. "Our two countries bear large responsibility in achieving peace and stability in this region," Abe said. Efforts in advancing China-Japan ties should "persevere unremittingly to prevent the appearance of new twists and turns" so that previous efforts did not go to waste, said Li at a joint briefing with Abe on Friday. "The Chinese side is willing to work with the Japanese side to return to a normal track, and maintain the stable, sustained and healthy development of bilateral relations," he said, adding that he had held candid discussions with Abe since his arrival on matters of mutual concerns. They reached consensus, Li said, that safeguarding long-term healthy and stable China-Japan ties was in accordance with the interests of both countries and the region and the world. The move to boost economic ties came as China and the United States slap tit-for-tat tariffs on each other in recent months. Japan is at risk as it exports to China manufacturing equipment and electronic parts, which are used to make finished goods for the United States and other markets. Ahead of the briefing, China and Japan signed an agreement to prepare yearly plans for talks, dialogues and exchanges, as well as a pact to step up cooperation in innovation. They also agreed to boost cooperation in the securities markets including the listing of exchange-trade funds (ETFs), and facilitate smoother customs clearance. Both sides signed a currency swap agreement of up to 3.4 trillion yen ($30.29 billion), effective until 2021. They also inked a deal towards establishing a yuan clearing bank. Li said both sides had agreed that as major countries, China and Japan should uphold free trade and accelerate talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and on a China-Japan-Korea trade zone. RCEP is a free trade agreement proposed by China with Southeast Asia and various countries on the Pacific Rim including Japan.

China, Japan to forge closer ties at 'historic turning point'

Japan and China have major responsibility for ensuring regional security and will work together on the North Korea issue, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday during an official visit to China.

Abe, speaking to reporters in a briefing with China`s Premier Li Keqiang, also said Japan was committed to normalising diplomatic relations with North Korea.

But several issues, including North Korea`s kidnapping of Japanese citizens, must be resolved before bilateral relations were normalised, he said. 
&nbsp;

Japan and China have major responsibility for ensuring regional security and will work together on the North Korea issue, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday during an official visit to China.

Japan and China have major responsibility for ensuring regional security and will work together on the North Korea issue, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday during an official visit to China. Abe, speaking to reporters in a briefing with China`s Premier Li Keqiang, also said Japan was committed to normalising diplomatic relations with North Korea. But several issues, including North Korea`s kidnapping of Japanese citizens, must be resolved before bilateral relations were normalised, he said.

Japan's PM Shinzo Abe says to work with China on North Korea issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement.

For the two leaders, security and defence cooperation are of utmost importance. Over the last few years, security cooperation between the two sides has taken several strides. While India, Japan and the US conduct Malabar naval exercises, New Delhi and Tokyo also hold the annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, the National Security Advisers’ dialogue, the ‘2+2’ Dialogue, the Defence Policy Dialogue and the Service-to-Service staff talks. They have also decided to enhance ties in this area by fostering defence equipment and technology cooperation in areas such as surveillance and unmanned system technologies, and defence industry cooperation.

For the first time, Japan will be an observer at the Cope India exercise in December between India and the US air forces. The Indian Army will hold the first ground force exercise with its Japanese counterpart next month. At the same time, Japan has also expressed readiness to provide state-of-the-art US-2 amphibian aircraft. Japan has expressed its desire to strengthen cooperation with India in order to tackle terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During Modi’s visit, the two countries would reportedly sign the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).&nbsp;

This, in turn, would provide Japanese ships access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases, including the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Modi and Abe said that differences should be resolved through dialogue and all countries, large or small, should enjoy the freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system. The two leaders also indicated the need to align Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with India’s Act East Policy.

The bonhomie between India and Japan comes at a time when China, with which India and Japan both have long-standing disputes, has undertaken aggressive posturing. Since these two countries also want to direction of global politics, they have a shared interest in preventing China’s growing clout. It is in this context that India and Japan are trying to engage with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the US, India, Japan and Australia was revived last year to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. But it is equally true that the Trump administration’s inclination towards looking at things through the prism of ‘America First’ Policy, thereby jeopardising the security of US’ allies and partners, has also made it necessary for the two countries to foster close security and defence ties with each other and also engage other like-mined countries.

India’s $100 military-modernisation programme is yet another factor for the two sides to promote defence relations. Working with Japan will enable India to strengthen its ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector, which in turn will not only reduce the volume of India’s arms imports, but also enable it to realise its dream of becoming a major arms exporter. For Japan, transferring high technology to India will burnish its image of a reliable arms technology provider. This can be gauged from the fact that Hiramatsu, the Japanese Ambassador to India, has said that Japan has responded positively to Indian Navy’s ongoing submarine tender project 75I and is keen on collaborating in this area. In the past, Japan was reluctant to provide defence technology. But the proposed signing of an agreement on maritime domain awareness during Modi’s visit will add a new dimension to India-Japan defence ties, given Japan’s position as a world leader in anti-submarine warfare and maritime awareness equipment.

Infrastructure, trade and commerce will be another area of discussion during Modi’s visit. It is expected that Modi’s visit will witness some concrete efforts to develop Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, which can effectively counter China’s Belt Road Initiative. While the signing of the nuclear agreement was seen as an epoch-making event in the bilateral ties in November 2016, the fact remains that in the last two years no movement has been initiated in this area. So Modi should bring up this issue in his talks with Abe. Now, with the deepening convergence of interests in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade and commerce, the importance of Modi’s visit cannot be overstated. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-imperative-of-strengthening-india-s-ties-with-japan-2679320">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement. For the two leaders, security and defence cooperation are of utmost importance. Over the last few years, security cooperation between the two sides has taken several strides. While India, Japan and the US conduct Malabar naval exercises, New Delhi and Tokyo also hold the annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, the National Security Advisers’ dialogue, the ‘2+2’ Dialogue, the Defence Policy Dialogue and the Service-to-Service staff talks. They have also decided to enhance ties in this area by fostering defence equipment and technology cooperation in areas such as surveillance and unmanned system technologies, and defence industry cooperation. For the first time, Japan will be an observer at the Cope India exercise in December between India and the US air forces. The Indian Army will hold the first ground force exercise with its Japanese counterpart next month. At the same time, Japan has also expressed readiness to provide state-of-the-art US-2 amphibian aircraft. Japan has expressed its desire to strengthen cooperation with India in order to tackle terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During Modi’s visit, the two countries would reportedly sign the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This, in turn, would provide Japanese ships access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases, including the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Modi and Abe said that differences should be resolved through dialogue and all countries, large or small, should enjoy the freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system. The two leaders also indicated the need to align Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with India’s Act East Policy. The bonhomie between India and Japan comes at a time when China, with which India and Japan both have long-standing disputes, has undertaken aggressive posturing. Since these two countries also want to direction of global politics, they have a shared interest in preventing China’s growing clout. It is in this context that India and Japan are trying to engage with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the US, India, Japan and Australia was revived last year to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. But it is equally true that the Trump administration’s inclination towards looking at things through the prism of ‘America First’ Policy, thereby jeopardising the security of US’ allies and partners, has also made it necessary for the two countries to foster close security and defence ties with each other and also engage other like-mined countries. India’s $100 military-modernisation programme is yet another factor for the two sides to promote defence relations. Working with Japan will enable India to strengthen its ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector, which in turn will not only reduce the volume of India’s arms imports, but also enable it to realise its dream of becoming a major arms exporter. For Japan, transferring high technology to India will burnish its image of a reliable arms technology provider. This can be gauged from the fact that Hiramatsu, the Japanese Ambassador to India, has said that Japan has responded positively to Indian Navy’s ongoing submarine tender project 75I and is keen on collaborating in this area. In the past, Japan was reluctant to provide defence technology. But the proposed signing of an agreement on maritime domain awareness during Modi’s visit will add a new dimension to India-Japan defence ties, given Japan’s position as a world leader in anti-submarine warfare and maritime awareness equipment. Infrastructure, trade and commerce will be another area of discussion during Modi’s visit. It is expected that Modi’s visit will witness some concrete efforts to develop Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, which can effectively counter China’s Belt Road Initiative. While the signing of the nuclear agreement was seen as an epoch-making event in the bilateral ties in November 2016, the fact remains that in the last two years no movement has been initiated in this area. So Modi should bring up this issue in his talks with Abe. Now, with the deepening convergence of interests in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade and commerce, the importance of Modi’s visit cannot be overstated. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The imperative of strengthening India’s ties with Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partners in its economic and technological modernisation.&nbsp;

In a statement, before he leaves for Japan on Saturday to attend the Annual Summit on October 28 and 29, Modi said India's partnership with Japan is of great substance and purpose.

"We have a special strategic and global partnership. Our ties with Japan, both economic and strategic, stand completely transformed in recent years. It is today a partnership of great substance and purpose. It rests on the strong pillars of India's Act East Policy, and our shared vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said.

Modi said it will be his 12th meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe since he first toured Japan as prime minister in September 2014.&nbsp;

He said, as democracies, the two countries have shared values and they seek peace and prosperity for all.

"Our complementarities make India and Japan a winning combination. Japan today is one of the most trusted partners in India's economic and technological modernisations and one of the top investors in India," he pointed out.&nbsp;

The PM said that projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflect the high level and "strength of our economic engagement".&nbsp;

"Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start-Up India'...Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said.&nbsp;

He said India values Japan's global leadership in innovation, technologies and best practices and during his visit, he will have a chance to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics.

"I will have wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and interact with business leaders and captains of industry from both countries. I will also address the Indian community. These interactions will help to further strengthen our trade and investment ties, and cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and food processing, disaster risk reduction and disaster resilient infrastructure," he said.

He recalled that last year, he had hosted Prime Minister Abe and his wife Akie Abe in his home state of Gujarat.

In a special gesture, Modi will be hosted by his Japanese counterpart for a private dinner at his holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture on October 28, which will be, perhaps, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partners in its economic and technological modernisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partners in its economic and technological modernisation. In a statement, before he leaves for Japan on Saturday to attend the Annual Summit on October 28 and 29, Modi said India's partnership with Japan is of great substance and purpose. "We have a special strategic and global partnership. Our ties with Japan, both economic and strategic, stand completely transformed in recent years. It is today a partnership of great substance and purpose. It rests on the strong pillars of India's Act East Policy, and our shared vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said. Modi said it will be his 12th meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe since he first toured Japan as prime minister in September 2014. He said, as democracies, the two countries have shared values and they seek peace and prosperity for all. "Our complementarities make India and Japan a winning combination. Japan today is one of the most trusted partners in India's economic and technological modernisations and one of the top investors in India," he pointed out. The PM said that projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflect the high level and "strength of our economic engagement". "Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start-Up India'...Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said. He said India values Japan's global leadership in innovation, technologies and best practices and during his visit, he will have a chance to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics. "I will have wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and interact with business leaders and captains of industry from both countries. I will also address the Indian community. These interactions will help to further strengthen our trade and investment ties, and cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and food processing, disaster risk reduction and disaster resilient infrastructure," he said. He recalled that last year, he had hosted Prime Minister Abe and his wife Akie Abe in his home state of Gujarat. In a special gesture, Modi will be hosted by his Japanese counterpart for a private dinner at his holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture on October 28, which will be, perhaps, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

India, Japan a winning combination: PM Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/freed-japanese-journalist-says-syria-kidnap-ordeal-was-hell-173430">Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda</a> who was in captivity with the Syrian militants for a period of over three years has said that he was not allowed to move or make any noise during the confinement.

Calling the capitivity as physical and psychological hell, he said that the military would not let him move or make any noise even while sleeping.&nbsp;

Yasuda added that he was not allowed to bath or wash his clothes.

"Because I couldn't wash my hair, my head itched - but when I scratched, that made noise," he said on flight back to Japan.

"Breathing through my nose, cracking my knuckles, moving while I slept - everything was forbidden."

Kept at a space just 1.5 metres high and 1 metre wide, Yasuda was confined with the Syria military for over three years.

Jumpei Yasuda was kidnapped in Syria in 2015.

He arrived back in Japan on Thursday night.

The Japanese government has thanked Qatar and Turkey for their cooperation in freeing Yasuda, but has denied paying a ransom for his release.

Yasuda also had to face criticism on social media where the netizens targetted him saying that he was not even Japanese.

"He is disturbing society," wrote one Twitter user. "He's an anti-citizen," charged another.

Perhaps anticipating the criticism, Yasuda's only statement upon arrival, read to reporters by his wife Myu, was dominated by an apology.

"I apologise for causing such trouble and worry, but thanks to all of you, I was able to come home safely," he said.

A string of kidnappings of journalists in Syria at the height of the country's war exposed differences in how governments and public responded.

Some governments paid ransoms, while others refused, and while countries celebrated their journalists as heroes, others quietly criticised them for taking unnecessary risks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda who was in captivity with the Syrian militants for a period of over three years has said that he was not allowed to move or make any noise during the confinement.

Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda who was in captivity with the Syrian militants for a period of over three years has said that he was not allowed to move or make any noise during the confinement. Calling the capitivity as physical and psychological hell, he said that the military would not let him move or make any noise even while sleeping. Yasuda added that he was not allowed to bath or wash his clothes. "Because I couldn't wash my hair, my head itched - but when I scratched, that made noise," he said on flight back to Japan. "Breathing through my nose, cracking my knuckles, moving while I slept - everything was forbidden." Kept at a space just 1.5 metres high and 1 metre wide, Yasuda was confined with the Syria military for over three years. Jumpei Yasuda was kidnapped in Syria in 2015. He arrived back in Japan on Thursday night. The Japanese government has thanked Qatar and Turkey for their cooperation in freeing Yasuda, but has denied paying a ransom for his release. Yasuda also had to face criticism on social media where the netizens targetted him saying that he was not even Japanese. "He is disturbing society," wrote one Twitter user. "He's an anti-citizen," charged another. Perhaps anticipating the criticism, Yasuda's only statement upon arrival, read to reporters by his wife Myu, was dominated by an apology. "I apologise for causing such trouble and worry, but thanks to all of you, I was able to come home safely," he said. A string of kidnappings of journalists in Syria at the height of the country's war exposed differences in how governments and public responded. Some governments paid ransoms, while others refused, and while countries celebrated their journalists as heroes, others quietly criticised them for taking unnecessary risks. (With inputs from agencies)

Forbidden from moving or making noise, Japanese journalist recounts Syrian torment

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