At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert.

The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said.

Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris.

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert. The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month. Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said. Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese city battles with landslides after heavy rains

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate.

Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic.

He was speaking in the first one-on-one debate with opposition in parliament on Wednesday.

Taiwan is usually called a “region” in Japan, while China claims the self-gorverned island as an “inalienable part” of its territory.

At a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about Suga's remarks.

 
Wang said: "Japanese leaders flagrantly refer to Taiwan as a "country" on multiple occasions, severely violating principles set out in the four political documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and its solemn and repeated commitment of not seeing Taiwan as a country."&nbsp;

"China is strongly dissatisfied with Japan's wrong remarks and has lodged solemn representations to the Japanese side," he said, adding, "We ask Japan to make prompt clarification, remove the severe damage and ensure that such things won't happen again.

"There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, the basic trust and good faith between the two countries and the international rule of law and justice," the Chinese official said.&nbsp;

"We seriously urge the Japanese side to earnestly honor its commitment, be prudent in words and actions, avoid undermining China's sovereignty in any form and refrain from sending any wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces."

China and Japan, who have been historic rivals in the last century, &nbsp;currently differ on several issues such as the East China Sea and Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate. Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic.

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate. Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic. He was speaking in the first one-on-one debate with opposition in parliament on Wednesday. Taiwan is usually called a “region” in Japan, while China claims the self-gorverned island as an “inalienable part” of its territory. At a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about Suga's remarks. Wang said: "Japanese leaders flagrantly refer to Taiwan as a "country" on multiple occasions, severely violating principles set out in the four political documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and its solemn and repeated commitment of not seeing Taiwan as a country." "China is strongly dissatisfied with Japan's wrong remarks and has lodged solemn representations to the Japanese side," he said, adding, "We ask Japan to make prompt clarification, remove the severe damage and ensure that such things won't happen again. "There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, the basic trust and good faith between the two countries and the international rule of law and justice," the Chinese official said. "We seriously urge the Japanese side to earnestly honor its commitment, be prudent in words and actions, avoid undermining China's sovereignty in any form and refrain from sending any wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces." China and Japan, who have been historic rivals in the last century, currently differ on several issues such as the East China Sea and Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.

China launches protest after Japanese PM Suga refers to Taiwan as a country

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country. In his first one-on-one parliamentary debate with opposition leaders on Wednesday, Suga, naming Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, said, "Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights" to curb the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Japaese PM Suga calls Taiwan a country during Parliament debate

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics".

The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japans-losses-from-covid-19-curbs-to-dwarf-olympics-no-go-fallout-says-economist-387251" hreflang="en">Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist</a>

The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely.

It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public.

When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-olympics-japans-osaka-buckles-under-coronavirus-fourth-wave-387130" hreflang="en">Ahead of Olympics, Japan's Osaka buckles under coronavirus fourth wave</a>

Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20.

"Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said.

It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks.

The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics".

"There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added.

Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday.

But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health". In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics". The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August. Also read | Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely. It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public. When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes". Also read | Ahead of Olympics, Japan's Osaka buckles under coronavirus fourth wave Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20. "Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said. It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks. The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics". "There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added. Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday. But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations.

International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections.

But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus.

An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option.

Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago.

Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances.

In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first".

"My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said.

DECLINING SUPPORT

Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed.

A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire.

Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday.

A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement.

"We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible."

Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite.

An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time.

Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead.

On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the&nbsp;Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed.

The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open. Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations. International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections. But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus. An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option. Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago. Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances. In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put Olympics first". "My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said. DECLINING SUPPORT Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed. A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire. Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday. A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible." Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite. An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time. Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead. On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed. The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Amid opposition, Japan Prime Minister says has 'never put Olympics first'

Japanese&nbsp;swimmer&nbsp;Rikako&nbsp;Ikee, who qualified for the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;amid&nbsp;mounting&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 20-year-old's story has become a bright spot in a tortured build-up to the&nbsp;Olympics, with&nbsp;Japan's government facing increasing criticism for forging ahead during an upsurge in infections.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host the Games, due to run&nbsp;from&nbsp;July 23 to Aug. 8, even as a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas was extended on Friday until the end of May to stem a surge in infections.

Ikee&nbsp;said she and others will accept whatever the organizers decide.

"If there is one, we will of course do our best, and if not, we will just do our best for the next one,"&nbsp;Ikee&nbsp;said in a post on Twitter on Friday.

Foreign spectators have been barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;attending the Games, and organizers will decide next month whether&nbsp;Japanese fans will be allowed into the venues.

Ikee&nbsp;also sought sympathy for&nbsp;athletes, who are being urged by critics to take individual decisions to try to persuade the organizers to call off the Games.

"It is very painful to put it on the individual athlete," she said.

"Even if you ask me to speak out against the Games, I can't change anything," she said, asking her fans to "warmly watch over the&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;who are working hard, no matter what the situation is."

Ikee, who won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games, was expected to be one of&nbsp;Japan's top medal hopefuls at the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;before she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019.

Last month,&nbsp;Ikee&nbsp;wrapped up the national championships with four titles, including the women's 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle events, less than eight months after she returned to competition following her recovery.

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who qualified for the Olympics after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for athletes amid mounting calls for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who qualified for the Olympics after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for athletes amid mounting calls for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 20-year-old's story has become a bright spot in a tortured build-up to the Olympics, with Japan's government facing increasing criticism for forging ahead during an upsurge in infections. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host the Games, due to run from July 23 to Aug. 8, even as a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas was extended on Friday until the end of May to stem a surge in infections. Ikee said she and others will accept whatever the organizers decide. "If there is one, we will of course do our best, and if not, we will just do our best for the next one," Ikee said in a post on Twitter on Friday. Foreign spectators have been barred from attending the Games, and organizers will decide next month whether Japanese fans will be allowed into the venues. Ikee also sought sympathy for athletes, who are being urged by critics to take individual decisions to try to persuade the organizers to call off the Games. "It is very painful to put it on the individual athlete," she said. "Even if you ask me to speak out against the Games, I can't change anything," she said, asking her fans to "warmly watch over the athletes who are working hard, no matter what the situation is." Ikee, who won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games, was expected to be one of Japan's top medal hopefuls at the Olympics before she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. Last month, Ikee wrapped up the national championships with four titles, including the women's 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle events, less than eight months after she returned to competition following her recovery.

Rikako Ikee pleads for understanding amid calls for athletes to withdraw from Olympics

Japan's ruling party is set to lose 2 of 3 seats in the upcoming parliamentary by-elections which are widely seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The exit polls have predicted a huge blow to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of national elections this year.

Japan's ruling party to lose 2 of 3 seats in parliamentary by-elections

Revitalizing US alliances President Joe Biden posted the first in person white house summit with the Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.

Joe Biden, Yoshihide Suga agree to tackle Chinese 'Intimidation'

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Washington to meet President Biden. With both leaders battling domestic challenges, can they display a united front against China? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Conflict shadow over Biden-Suga summit

President Joe Biden hosted the first white house summit with Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga as the first foreign leader. In their first white house meeting, the two leaders raised issues stretching COVID-19, climate, Tokyo Olympics, and bid to counter increasingly assertive China indeed.

White House Summit: US- Japan to tackle Chinese intimidation

The Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives in the US to meet his counterpart President Joe Biden. Both leaders are expected to talk over China's ill treatment of Uighur muslims and to have a united front over Taiwan

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives in US

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in the United States on Thursday&nbsp;for a summit meeting with US&nbsp;President Joe Biden.

The meeting will be Biden's first in-person summit with a foreign leader since taking office in January.

Suga and Biden are expected to present a united front on Taiwan, China's most sensitive territorial issue, at Friday's summit, according to a senior US&nbsp;administration official.

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Biden and Suga are expected to agree on a joint statement on the Chinese claimed but democratically ruled island, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The last time US and Japanese leaders referred to Taiwan in a joint statement was in 1969, when Japan's prime minister said maintenance of peace and security in the "Taiwan area" was important for its own security. That was before Tokyo normalized ties with Beijing.

The move now aims to ratchet up pressure on China. However, such a statement appears likely to fall short of what the United States has been hoping to see from Suga, who inherited a China policy that sought to balance security concerns with deep economic ties when he took over as premier last September.

Biden and Suga will also discuss Beijing's treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang region and its influence over Hong Kong, while also announcing a $2 billion Japanese investment in 5G telecommunications to counter China's Huawei Technologies.

Suga&nbsp;in September succeeded his ally Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, who was one of the few democratic allies to manage to preserve stable relations with Biden's volatile predecessor Donald Trump.

Biden's inaugural summit, held an unusually late three months into his term due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to be a tame affair after the Trump era, with the president welcoming the soft-spoken Japanese leader for one-on-one talks and an expanded meeting with the cabinet before a joint news conference.

But&nbsp;Suga, who Japanese media reported arrived in Washington Thursday evening, is expected to balk at becoming an overenthusiastic cheerleader for the US line on China, which remains the vital top trading partner for resource-scarce Japan.

Tokyo since Abe's time has worked to stabilize relations with Beijing and not joined Washington in sanctions over rights concerns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

"The Biden administration, I think, is concerned at how aggressive China has been and how much ground the US has lost in recent years in Asia and wants to catch up quickly," said Michael Green, who was the top Asia adviser to former president George W. Bush and is now senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Japan will welcome what is expected to be a fresh declaration that the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands -- where Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyu, has been increasingly assertive -- fall under the US-Japan security treaty that requires mutual defense.

Suga, and Moon next month, will also consult Biden as he reviews US policy on North Korea, where Trump's unusual personal diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un eased tensions but did not bring a lasting accord on Pyongyang's nuclear program.

(With input from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in the United States on Thursday for a summit meeting with US President Joe Biden. The meeting will be Biden's first in-person summit with a foreign leader since taking office in January.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in the United States on Thursday for a summit meeting with US President Joe Biden. The meeting will be Biden's first in-person summit with a foreign leader since taking office in January. Suga and Biden are expected to present a united front on Taiwan, China's most sensitive territorial issue, at Friday's summit, according to a senior US administration official. Biden and Suga are expected to agree on a joint statement on the Chinese claimed but democratically ruled island, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The last time US and Japanese leaders referred to Taiwan in a joint statement was in 1969, when Japan's prime minister said maintenance of peace and security in the "Taiwan area" was important for its own security. That was before Tokyo normalized ties with Beijing. The move now aims to ratchet up pressure on China. However, such a statement appears likely to fall short of what the United States has been hoping to see from Suga, who inherited a China policy that sought to balance security concerns with deep economic ties when he took over as premier last September. Biden and Suga will also discuss Beijing's treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang region and its influence over Hong Kong, while also announcing a $2 billion Japanese investment in 5G telecommunications to counter China's Huawei Technologies. Suga in September succeeded his ally Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, who was one of the few democratic allies to manage to preserve stable relations with Biden's volatile predecessor Donald Trump. Biden's inaugural summit, held an unusually late three months into his term due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to be a tame affair after the Trump era, with the president welcoming the soft-spoken Japanese leader for one-on-one talks and an expanded meeting with the cabinet before a joint news conference. But Suga, who Japanese media reported arrived in Washington Thursday evening, is expected to balk at becoming an overenthusiastic cheerleader for the US line on China, which remains the vital top trading partner for resource-scarce Japan. Tokyo since Abe's time has worked to stabilize relations with Beijing and not joined Washington in sanctions over rights concerns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. "The Biden administration, I think, is concerned at how aggressive China has been and how much ground the US has lost in recent years in Asia and wants to catch up quickly," said Michael Green, who was the top Asia adviser to former president George W. Bush and is now senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Japan will welcome what is expected to be a fresh declaration that the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands -- where Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyu, has been increasingly assertive -- fall under the US-Japan security treaty that requires mutual defense. Suga, and Moon next month, will also consult Biden as he reviews US policy on North Korea, where Trump's unusual personal diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un eased tensions but did not bring a lasting accord on Pyongyang's nuclear program. (With input from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives in US for summit with Joe Biden

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to visit India as part of efforts to bolster cooperation across the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s aggressive actions.

Japan PM Suga to visit India to bolster Indo-Pacific cooperation

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's visit to the United States has been delayed to mid-April from a proposed early April date.

Suga is now scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on April 16, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato confirmed on Friday.

Local media had reported the trip would take place next week, but Kato said the mid-April date would give both sides time to prepare.

The trip comes at a time of renewed focus on China's role in the region, as well as its alleged abuses of the Uighur minority and its crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong.

"The date has been set to April 16 to take all possible measures that will ensure success of the Prime Minister's visit to the US," Kato said.

Suga was initially expected to meet Biden on April 9. Now he is expected to leave Japan on April 15 and depart Washington on April 17, two government sources told Reuters.

The Nikkei daily newspaper reported on Friday that Suga's meeting with Biden was postponed because of circumstances on the US side.

The talks follow a visit by the Pentagon chief and top US diplomat to Japan in March, when the two countries warned China against "coercion and destabilising behaviour".

Kato said Suga's trip would be a chance to discuss "strengthening the&nbsp;Japan-US alliance" and issues ranging from the coronavirus to climate change.

Matters related to China and North Korea will also likely be on the agenda, Kato added.&nbsp; 
North Korea carried out missile tests last week in its first substantive provocation since Biden took office.

Suga would be the first foreign leader to visit the United States since Biden took office in January.

Suga, 72, became prime minister in September after his predecessor Shinzo Abe stepped down for health reasons. He has had his first shot of Covid-19 vaccine in preparation for the US trip, although Japan is not expected to begin mass jabs for weeks.

Suga will also reportedly use the trip to invite Biden to the Tokyo Olympics, due to begin on July 23 after a year's pandemic delay.

(with inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's visit to the United States has been delayed to mid-April from a proposed early April date. Suga is now scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on April 16, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato confirmed on Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's visit to the United States has been delayed to mid-April from a proposed early April date. Suga is now scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on April 16, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato confirmed on Friday. Local media had reported the trip would take place next week, but Kato said the mid-April date would give both sides time to prepare. The trip comes at a time of renewed focus on China's role in the region, as well as its alleged abuses of the Uighur minority and its crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong. "The date has been set to April 16 to take all possible measures that will ensure success of the Prime Minister's visit to the US," Kato said. Suga was initially expected to meet Biden on April 9. Now he is expected to leave Japan on April 15 and depart Washington on April 17, two government sources told Reuters. The Nikkei daily newspaper reported on Friday that Suga's meeting with Biden was postponed because of circumstances on the US side. The talks follow a visit by the Pentagon chief and top US diplomat to Japan in March, when the two countries warned China against "coercion and destabilising behaviour". Kato said Suga's trip would be a chance to discuss "strengthening the Japan-US alliance" and issues ranging from the coronavirus to climate change. Matters related to China and North Korea will also likely be on the agenda, Kato added. North Korea carried out missile tests last week in its first substantive provocation since Biden took office. Suga would be the first foreign leader to visit the United States since Biden took office in January. Suga, 72, became prime minister in September after his predecessor Shinzo Abe stepped down for health reasons. He has had his first shot of Covid-19 vaccine in preparation for the US trip, although Japan is not expected to begin mass jabs for weeks. Suga will also reportedly use the trip to invite Biden to the Tokyo Olympics, due to begin on July 23 after a year's pandemic delay. (with inputs from agencies)

Japan PM Suga's visit to US delayed to April 16

The leaders of the Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- have pledged to work with other countries who share the same goals, and to ensure that Covid vaccines are administered throughout the region till 2022. They also reiterated their commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad, a strategic forum comprising India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America, held its first-ever head of states meet virtually on Friday.

In a jointly-authored opinion article for The Washington Post, US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, wrote that "the Quad" was born in crisis. It became a diplomatic dialogue in 2007 and was reborn in 2017.

“Over the course of these past months, each of us has grieved the suffering that our people and the world have endured. But in this dark hour, our partnership offers a spark of hope to light the path ahead,” the leaders wrote in the joint Op-Ed published in the Washington Post.

"Against this backdrop, we are recommitting to a shared vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, resilient and inclusive. We are striving to ensure that the Indo-Pacific is accessible and dynamic, governed by international law and bedrock principles such as freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes and that all countries are able to make their own political choices, free from coercion. In recent years, that vision has increasingly been tested," they added.

The article listed the announcements made on Friday, and much of what appeared in the joint statement and the fact sheet that were released after the summit.&nbsp;

The group also recalled the history of the grouping from being founded in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami and being turned into a dialogue in 2007 to being reborn in 2017.

The four leaders said that the trials have only strengthened "our resolve" to reckon with the most urgent of global challenges together.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g7-meet-in-uk-could-witness-first-in-person-quad-meet-370276">Also read |&nbsp;G7 meet in UK could witness first in-person Quad meet</a>

"To strengthen our quest for a region that is open and free, we have agreed to partner to address the challenges presented by new technologies and collaborate to set the norms and standards that govern the innovations of the future. It is clear that climate change is both a strategic priority and an urgent global challenge, including for the Indo-Pacific region," the leaders' op-ed read further adding that the four countries would work together and with others to strengthen the Paris agreement and enhance the climate actions of all nations.

Launching the "ambitious efforts" to help end the Covid pandemic, the countries pledged "to expand and accelerate production" in India of safe, accessible and effective vaccines.

"We will partner at each stage to ensure that vaccines are administered throughout the Indo-Pacific region into 2022. We will combine our scientific ingenuity, financing, formidable productive capacity and long history of global-health partnership to surge the supply of life-saving vaccines, in close collaboration with multilateral organisations including the World Health Organisation and Covax Facility," the leaders wrote."We will renew and strengthen our partnerships in Southeast Asia, starting with the Association for Southeast Asian Nations, work with the Pacific Islands, and engage the Indian Ocean region to meet this moment.&nbsp;

"The Quad is a flexible group of like-minded partners dedicated to advancing a common vision and to ensuring peace and prosperity. We welcome and will seek opportunities to work with all of those who share in those goals," the article read.

The leaders stated that the four countries' foundations of democracy and a commitment to engagement "unite us".

"We know we can provide for the safety and prosperity of our people at home by confronting global crises together, with purpose and resolve. We summon from tragedy the strength and resilience to unify and overcome. And we recommit ourselves, once again, to an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, secure and prosperous," the leaders wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-member-countries-to-be-part-of-france-led-joint-exercises-370267">Also read |&nbsp;QUAD member countries to be part of France-led joint exercises</a>

Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.China`s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system.

China claims much of the South China Sea, but there are also overlapping claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

China has built bases and other outposts on shoals, reefs and rock outcroppings to deepen its claim over 80 per cent of the 3.6 sq km waterway, with Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan claim parts of the same area. 
&nbsp;

The leaders of the Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- have pledged to work with other countries who share the same goals, and to ensure that Covid vaccines are administered throughout the region till 2022.

The leaders of the Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- have pledged to work with other countries who share the same goals, and to ensure that Covid vaccines are administered throughout the region till 2022. They also reiterated their commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region. The Quad, a strategic forum comprising India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America, held its first-ever head of states meet virtually on Friday. In a jointly-authored opinion article for The Washington Post, US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, wrote that "the Quad" was born in crisis. It became a diplomatic dialogue in 2007 and was reborn in 2017. “Over the course of these past months, each of us has grieved the suffering that our people and the world have endured. But in this dark hour, our partnership offers a spark of hope to light the path ahead,” the leaders wrote in the joint Op-Ed published in the Washington Post. "Against this backdrop, we are recommitting to a shared vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, resilient and inclusive. We are striving to ensure that the Indo-Pacific is accessible and dynamic, governed by international law and bedrock principles such as freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes and that all countries are able to make their own political choices, free from coercion. In recent years, that vision has increasingly been tested," they added. The article listed the announcements made on Friday, and much of what appeared in the joint statement and the fact sheet that were released after the summit. The group also recalled the history of the grouping from being founded in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami and being turned into a dialogue in 2007 to being reborn in 2017. The four leaders said that the trials have only strengthened "our resolve" to reckon with the most urgent of global challenges together. Also read | G7 meet in UK could witness first in-person Quad meet "To strengthen our quest for a region that is open and free, we have agreed to partner to address the challenges presented by new technologies and collaborate to set the norms and standards that govern the innovations of the future. It is clear that climate change is both a strategic priority and an urgent global challenge, including for the Indo-Pacific region," the leaders' op-ed read further adding that the four countries would work together and with others to strengthen the Paris agreement and enhance the climate actions of all nations. Launching the "ambitious efforts" to help end the Covid pandemic, the countries pledged "to expand and accelerate production" in India of safe, accessible and effective vaccines. "We will partner at each stage to ensure that vaccines are administered throughout the Indo-Pacific region into 2022. We will combine our scientific ingenuity, financing, formidable productive capacity and long history of global-health partnership to surge the supply of life-saving vaccines, in close collaboration with multilateral organisations including the World Health Organisation and Covax Facility," the leaders wrote."We will renew and strengthen our partnerships in Southeast Asia, starting with the Association for Southeast Asian Nations, work with the Pacific Islands, and engage the Indian Ocean region to meet this moment. "The Quad is a flexible group of like-minded partners dedicated to advancing a common vision and to ensuring peace and prosperity. We welcome and will seek opportunities to work with all of those who share in those goals," the article read. The leaders stated that the four countries' foundations of democracy and a commitment to engagement "unite us". "We know we can provide for the safety and prosperity of our people at home by confronting global crises together, with purpose and resolve. We summon from tragedy the strength and resilience to unify and overcome. And we recommit ourselves, once again, to an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, secure and prosperous," the leaders wrote. Also read | QUAD member countries to be part of France-led joint exercises Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.China`s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system. China claims much of the South China Sea, but there are also overlapping claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China has built bases and other outposts on shoals, reefs and rock outcroppings to deepen its claim over 80 per cent of the 3.6 sq km waterway, with Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan claim parts of the same area.

Biden, Modi, Morrison and Suga pen joint op-ed, say Quad offers 'spark of hope'

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden.</a>

Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-summit-to-announce-vaccine-initiative-with-indias-manufacturing-at-the-centre-369900" hreflang="en">Quad to announce 'vaccine initiative' with India's manufacturing at the centre</a>

Biden and Suga will be meeting next month to discuss Indo-Pacific issues. This meeting will also help highlight the strong commitment towards a free and fair Indo-Pacific region.

The Japan Prime Minister will be making this trip only after he and his whole accompanying team get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, which has hit the US the hardest.

In addition to the Indo-Pacific region, the two leaders will also be discussing pandemic measures and the issue of climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-meeting-2021-focus-on-vaccines-securing-indo-pacific-on-agenda-369938">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-meeting-2021-focus-on-vaccines-securing-indo-pacific-on-agenda-369938/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During this face-to-face summit, the two countries will also point out their concerns about North Korea and China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has equally concerned the US and Japan.

"We hope to further strengthen our bilateral relations including the Japan-US alliance and to confirm our close cooperation toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kato said. "It would be a good opportunity for us to show the rest of the world the close unity of the Japan-US alliance and the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region."

The two leaders have earlier held virtual talks to discuss matters, and are set to meet again on Friday in the virtual summit of the Quad — which includes Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President Joe Biden. Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President Joe Biden. Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters. Also read | Quad to announce 'vaccine initiative' with India's manufacturing at the centre Biden and Suga will be meeting next month to discuss Indo-Pacific issues. This meeting will also help highlight the strong commitment towards a free and fair Indo-Pacific region. The Japan Prime Minister will be making this trip only after he and his whole accompanying team get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, which has hit the US the hardest. In addition to the Indo-Pacific region, the two leaders will also be discussing pandemic measures and the issue of climate change. WATCH | During this face-to-face summit, the two countries will also point out their concerns about North Korea and China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has equally concerned the US and Japan. "We hope to further strengthen our bilateral relations including the Japan-US alliance and to confirm our close cooperation toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kato said. "It would be a good opportunity for us to show the rest of the world the close unity of the Japan-US alliance and the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region." The two leaders have earlier held virtual talks to discuss matters, and are set to meet again on Friday in the virtual summit of the Quad — which includes Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Japan's Suga to become first foreign leader to visit Biden

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security&nbsp;and climate change."

The&nbsp;leaders "will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," it said in a statement.

Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,&nbsp;first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and was first formalised in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues&nbsp;with the grouping, which again held a meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had conversations at the foreign ministers' level, thrice.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo- Pacific."&nbsp;

"A range of issues, of course, will be discussed — we expect to be discussed, I should say — facing the global community from the threat of Covid, to economic cooperation, and of course, to the climate crisis," she told reporters.

The Quad meeting comes at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness, not only in the region but with Quad member countries as well. Beijing has locked horns with Australia and the US on the trade front, Japan over&nbsp;Senkaku islands, and is engaged in a border standoff with India, that has seen disengagement at one area so far.

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security and climate change." The leaders "will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," it said in a statement. Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and was first formalised in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues with the grouping, which again held a meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had conversations at the foreign ministers' level, thrice. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo- Pacific." "A range of issues, of course, will be discussed — we expect to be discussed, I should say — facing the global community from the threat of Covid, to economic cooperation, and of course, to the climate crisis," she told reporters. The Quad meeting comes at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness, not only in the region but with Quad member countries as well. Beijing has locked horns with Australia and the US on the trade front, Japan over Senkaku islands, and is engaged in a border standoff with India, that has seen disengagement at one area so far.

First-ever Quad summit to focus on Indo-Pacific, Covid vaccines

The public relations chief for Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has resigned. Makiko Yamada has acknowledged that she had a $700 dinner paid for by a broadcaster in 2019.

Japan PM’s spokesperson resigns over $700 dinner scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-plan-b-japans-sponsors-shelve-ads-as-mood-sours-over-olympics-360044" hreflang="en">'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics</a>

"Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide.

"I'm determined to realise the Games that will bring hope and courage to the world, as proof of mankind's victory over the virus and as a symbol of global unity."

The Prime Minister's came after the organisers and International Olympic Committee confirmed that the Games will go ahead as planned despite surge in coronavirus.&nbsp;

Large parts in Japan, including Tokyo, are still under the state of emergency due to COVID-19 raising doubts over the Games being held.&nbsp;

In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine.

On Wednesday, IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule.&nbsp;

Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day."

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate. ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics "Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate. ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics "Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide. "I'm determined to realise the Games that will bring hope and courage to the world, as proof of mankind's victory over the virus and as a symbol of global unity." The Prime Minister's came after the organisers and International Olympic Committee confirmed that the Games will go ahead as planned despite surge in coronavirus. Large parts in Japan, including Tokyo, are still under the state of emergency due to COVID-19 raising doubts over the Games being held. In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine. On Wednesday, IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule. Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day."

'Tokyo Games will bring hope and courage to world': Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga during which they underscored that their bilateral relationship is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo Pacific region.

During a telephonic conversation, Biden and Suga discussed policy issues and global challenges that Japan and the US will face together, the White House said.

"They discussed the US-Japan alliance and affirmed its importance as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific," it said in a readout of the call. 
It was the first interaction between the two leaders.

Biden and Suga also discussed the US' unwavering commitment to the defence of Japan under the security treaty, which includes the Senkaku Islands, the White House said.

President Biden reaffirmed to Prime Minister Suga his commitment to provide extended deterrence to Japan, it said.

Biden and Suga discussed regional security issues, including China and North Korea, the White House said, adding that the leaders affirmed the necessity of complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, and the early resolution of the abductions issue.

"They committed to working together on our response to curb the global COVID-19 pandemic, address climate change, and advance our shared values, global security and prosperity," it said.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga during which they underscored that their bilateral relationship is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo Pacific region.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga during which they underscored that their bilateral relationship is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo Pacific region. During a telephonic conversation, Biden and Suga discussed policy issues and global challenges that Japan and the US will face together, the White House said. "They discussed the US-Japan alliance and affirmed its importance as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific," it said in a readout of the call. It was the first interaction between the two leaders. Biden and Suga also discussed the US' unwavering commitment to the defence of Japan under the security treaty, which includes the Senkaku Islands, the White House said. President Biden reaffirmed to Prime Minister Suga his commitment to provide extended deterrence to Japan, it said. Biden and Suga discussed regional security issues, including China and North Korea, the White House said, adding that the leaders affirmed the necessity of complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, and the early resolution of the abductions issue. "They committed to working together on our response to curb the global COVID-19 pandemic, address climate change, and advance our shared values, global security and prosperity," it said.

Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance

India and Japan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) that will allow 14 categories of Indian "skilled workers" to work in Japan. SSW is a new status of residence created by Japan in 2019 under which skilled foreign nationals can obtain jobs and stay in the country.

The MOC was signed between India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Japan's envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. With the signing of the pact, the Japanese and Indian governments agreed to create a mechanism through which Indian nationals can be smoothly dispatched to Japan under the SSW framework.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Japan's envoy said, "With the MOC we are going to sign, new opportunities will be open for Indian nationals to get employment in Japan.”

The Memorandum sets a framework between the Japanese and Indian Governments allowing information sharing in order to protect Indian nationals coming to Japan as SSW and facilitate a smooth implementation of the SSW system.

The Indian foreign secretary said, "With an early operationalization of this MoC, both our countries can synergise our strengths and have mutually beneficial outcomes. In the implementation of the SSW, the Indian side looks forward to working closely with the Japanese side to ensure that we can meet our objectives smoothly and quickly.".

Under the system, a person must be proficient in the Japanese language in daily life and his maximum period of stay can be five&nbsp;years in total. The 14 specified industry fields include caregiving, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electric and electronic information, construction, shipbuilding and ship-related industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverages manufacturing, and food services industry.

The development comes even as Japan faces a declining population and an ageing society. India has one of the youngest populations in the world, which is can help to increase the economic productivity of any society. Indian PM Modi had placed a high priority on quickly operationalizing this MoC and the current PM of Japan Yoshihide Suga when he was the chief cabinet secretary was one of the prime movers of the program to address his country's need for a skilled labour market.

This is not the first such India Japan skilled related programme. In 2016 both sides agreed on "Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme” for training 30,000 persons over 10 years with Japanese style manufacturing skills and practices.

In 2017, both sides signed, "Technical Intern Training Programme” agreement that enables Indians to access internships in Japan. So far, 200 interns have been placed in Japan under the intern training programme.&nbsp;

India and Japan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) that will allow 14 categories of Indian "skilled workers" to work in Japan.

India and Japan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) that will allow 14 categories of Indian "skilled workers" to work in Japan. SSW is a new status of residence created by Japan in 2019 under which skilled foreign nationals can obtain jobs and stay in the country. The MOC was signed between India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Japan's envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. With the signing of the pact, the Japanese and Indian governments agreed to create a mechanism through which Indian nationals can be smoothly dispatched to Japan under the SSW framework. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Japan's envoy said, "With the MOC we are going to sign, new opportunities will be open for Indian nationals to get employment in Japan.” The Memorandum sets a framework between the Japanese and Indian Governments allowing information sharing in order to protect Indian nationals coming to Japan as SSW and facilitate a smooth implementation of the SSW system. The Indian foreign secretary said, "With an early operationalization of this MoC, both our countries can synergise our strengths and have mutually beneficial outcomes. In the implementation of the SSW, the Indian side looks forward to working closely with the Japanese side to ensure that we can meet our objectives smoothly and quickly.". Under the system, a person must be proficient in the Japanese language in daily life and his maximum period of stay can be five years in total. The 14 specified industry fields include caregiving, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electric and electronic information, construction, shipbuilding and ship-related industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverages manufacturing, and food services industry. The development comes even as Japan faces a declining population and an ageing society. India has one of the youngest populations in the world, which is can help to increase the economic productivity of any society. Indian PM Modi had placed a high priority on quickly operationalizing this MoC and the current PM of Japan Yoshihide Suga when he was the chief cabinet secretary was one of the prime movers of the program to address his country's need for a skilled labour market. This is not the first such India Japan skilled related programme. In 2016 both sides agreed on "Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme” for training 30,000 persons over 10 years with Japanese style manufacturing skills and practices. In 2017, both sides signed, "Technical Intern Training Programme” agreement that enables Indians to access internships in Japan. So far, 200 interns have been placed in Japan under the intern training programme.

Japan looks at India for skilled workers as New Delhi-Tokyo sign pact

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-find-patient-zero-who-urges-countries-to-cooperate-357112" hreflang="en">'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate</a>

As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year.

In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expands-coronavirus-emergency-to-seven-more-prefectures-356633">&nbsp;Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures</a>

While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now.

This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among&nbsp;women and children, in comparison to the first wave.

"Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed.

The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus. The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law. Also read| 'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year. In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months. Also read| Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now. This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. WATCH| It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics. The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among women and children, in comparison to the first wave. "Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed. The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

Japan to charge fines and prison sentences for non-cooperation of COVID rules

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iocs-senior-official-says-tokyo-olympics-uncertain-due-to-coronavirus-surge-355388" hreflang="en">IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge</a>

According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. The Olympics were scheduled to be held last year but was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and is scheduled to be held between July 23-August 8 in Tokyo.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency on greater Tokyo and could extend the measure to other areas as Japan struggles to contain a surge in infections.

The Japanese Prime Minister has been criticised and his support ratings have tumbled for his handling of the pandemic since he succeeded Abe in September. Suga's cabinet's approval rate slid 9 points from a month earlier to 41.3 per cent with the disapproval rate at 42.8 per cent, the Kyodo survey showed.

About 79 per cent said Suga's decision to call the state of emergency for Tokyo came too late and 68 per cent were dissatisfied with the government's response to the pandemic, the survey found.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday.

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday. ALSO READ: IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. The Olympics were scheduled to be held last year but was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and is scheduled to be held between July 23-August 8 in Tokyo. On Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency on greater Tokyo and could extend the measure to other areas as Japan struggles to contain a surge in infections. The Japanese Prime Minister has been criticised and his support ratings have tumbled for his handling of the pandemic since he succeeded Abe in September. Suga's cabinet's approval rate slid 9 points from a month earlier to 41.3 per cent with the disapproval rate at 42.8 per cent, the Kyodo survey showed. About 79 per cent said Suga's decision to call the state of emergency for Tokyo came too late and 68 per cent were dissatisfied with the government's response to the pandemic, the survey found. (Inputs from Reuters)

Around 80% want Tokyo Olympics cancelled or delayed: Japanese survey

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement. Suga was quoted by NHK World as he spoke with a commercial broadcaster's radio programme. Suga said he believed that countries, where businesses were run by the state, would find it difficult to join the TPP because its regulations are too high for such a business structure to follow.

The Japanese Prime Minister was responding to Xi Jinping's comments that suggested that China was "positive" about joining the TPP Pact.

Nikkei Asia Review had reported Xi as saying on November 20 that China is open to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, in a likely move to bolster the country`s presence in Asia while the US focuses on its presidential transition. China "will favourably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership," the Chinese President added.

(With agency inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement. Suga was quoted by NHK World as he spoke with a commercial broadcaster's radio programme. Suga said he believed that countries, where businesses were run by the state, would find it difficult to join the TPP because its regulations are too high for such a business structure to follow. The Japanese Prime Minister was responding to Xi Jinping's comments that suggested that China was "positive" about joining the TPP Pact. Nikkei Asia Review had reported Xi as saying on November 20 that China is open to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, in a likely move to bolster the country`s presence in Asia while the US focuses on its presidential transition. China "will favourably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership," the Chinese President added. (With agency inputs)

China won't be able to join TPP under Xi Jinping: Japanese PM

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga began the new year with a promise that the delayed Tokyo Olympics would go ahead in July 2021 -- even as the country fights with a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

“The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held this summer,” Suga said in a written statement for the New Year, describing the event as a symbol of world unity.&nbsp;

“We will make steady preparations to realise a safe and secure tournament.”

New Year's Day is the biggest holiday in Japan's calendar, but this year's festivities have been subdued following record highs in new coronavirus cases nationwide and calls from the government to stay home.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito appealed to the public to work together through the pandemic in a videotaped New Year's Day address to the nation released on Friday.

"I am wishing from my heart that everyone can move forward during this hard time by supporting and helping one another," he said in the address, which was released in place of an annual public appearance by the imperial family during the New Year holidays.&nbsp;

The event was cancelled this year because of the pandemic.

About 3,480 people have died in Japan from around 235,700 cases during the pandemic so far.

New Year's Day festivities in Japan involves spending time with family and praying at local temples, where hordes of people wish for good luck in the coming year.

(with inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga began the new year with a promise that the delayed Tokyo Olympics would go ahead in July 2021 -- even as the country fights with a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga began the new year with a promise that the delayed Tokyo Olympics would go ahead in July 2021 -- even as the country fights with a steep rise in coronavirus cases. “The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held this summer,” Suga said in a written statement for the New Year, describing the event as a symbol of world unity. “We will make steady preparations to realise a safe and secure tournament.” New Year's Day is the biggest holiday in Japan's calendar, but this year's festivities have been subdued following record highs in new coronavirus cases nationwide and calls from the government to stay home. Japan's Emperor Naruhito appealed to the public to work together through the pandemic in a videotaped New Year's Day address to the nation released on Friday. "I am wishing from my heart that everyone can move forward during this hard time by supporting and helping one another," he said in the address, which was released in place of an annual public appearance by the imperial family during the New Year holidays. The event was cancelled this year because of the pandemic. About 3,480 people have died in Japan from around 235,700 cases during the pandemic so far. New Year's Day festivities in Japan involves spending time with family and praying at local temples, where hordes of people wish for good luck in the coming year. (with inputs)

Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics ‘will be held this summer’: Japan PM

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a new five-year plan on gender equality, which says it will make efforts to meet the 30-percent target "at the earliest possible time" during the next decade.

While Japan ranks highly on a range of international indicators, it persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum.

Just 14.8 percent of leadership positions in politics and business in Japan are occupied by women, "lagging extremely behind internationally," the Cabinet Office said in the new five-year plan.

The new plan replaces the government's last five-year plan, which included the 2020 target.&nbsp;

But the 30-percent target was originally set in 2003 by the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who adopted the ambitious goal in a bid to force the nation's male-dominated bureaucracy and Japan Inc businesses to accept diversity.

Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who stepped down earlier this year, also repeatedly pledged to meet the same target, and made "womenomics" initiatives to include more women in the work force a key plank of his economic policy.

The Cabinet Office blamed social acceptance of traditional gender roles for the slow progress, saying the government would "make efforts so that women will occupy around 30 percent of leadership positions in the early part of the 2020s."

In the political sphere, women are having to balance political activities and domestic tasks and they face various harassments based on their gender, it said.

And businesses have not been enthusiastic about promoting women, it added.

"Overall, society as a whole still leans toward stereotypical gender roles and has unconscious bias," it said.

The new five-year plan had been expected to include mention of a growing social acceptance of allowing women to keep their maiden names after marriage.

Japanese law currently requires married couples to share the same surname, a law that usually results in women changing their names.

But while polling shows public support for changing the law, the new five-year plan stopped short of backing the move, with conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party pushing to strike down the idea.

Instead, the plan refers to the issue as a matter for "further discussions."

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020.

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a new five-year plan on gender equality, which says it will make efforts to meet the 30-percent target "at the earliest possible time" during the next decade. While Japan ranks highly on a range of international indicators, it persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum. Just 14.8 percent of leadership positions in politics and business in Japan are occupied by women, "lagging extremely behind internationally," the Cabinet Office said in the new five-year plan. The new plan replaces the government's last five-year plan, which included the 2020 target. But the 30-percent target was originally set in 2003 by the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who adopted the ambitious goal in a bid to force the nation's male-dominated bureaucracy and Japan Inc businesses to accept diversity. Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who stepped down earlier this year, also repeatedly pledged to meet the same target, and made "womenomics" initiatives to include more women in the work force a key plank of his economic policy. The Cabinet Office blamed social acceptance of traditional gender roles for the slow progress, saying the government would "make efforts so that women will occupy around 30 percent of leadership positions in the early part of the 2020s." In the political sphere, women are having to balance political activities and domestic tasks and they face various harassments based on their gender, it said. And businesses have not been enthusiastic about promoting women, it added. "Overall, society as a whole still leans toward stereotypical gender roles and has unconscious bias," it said. The new five-year plan had been expected to include mention of a growing social acceptance of allowing women to keep their maiden names after marriage. Japanese law currently requires married couples to share the same surname, a law that usually results in women changing their names. But while polling shows public support for changing the law, the new five-year plan stopped short of backing the move, with conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party pushing to strike down the idea. Instead, the plan refers to the issue as a matter for "further discussions."

Japan delays women leadership target after falling short

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. 
 
Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">Quad: With an eye on China,&nbsp;Japan to&nbsp;&nbsp;Australia align</a>

Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany&nbsp;that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. 
 
The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-military-bases-vulnerable-to-attack-indefensible-during-war-report-348120">South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report</a>

With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several&nbsp;smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. 
 
The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. 
 
Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. 
 
The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. 
 
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP,&nbsp;an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. 
 
Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

&nbsp;

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021.

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies. Also read: Quad: With an eye on China, Japan to Australia align Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia. Also read: South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP, an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

Japan invites German warship for naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday&nbsp;questioned former&nbsp;Prime Minister Shinzo Abe&nbsp;over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader,&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga.

Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year.

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Prosecutors have been building a case against&nbsp;Abe's secretary over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,922) and had asked&nbsp;Abe&nbsp;to appear for voluntary questioning about the issue, domestic media reported this month.

Tokyo prosecutors said they do not comment on investigations.&nbsp;Abe's office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile.

The scandal risks tarnishing Abe’s legacy and could weaken Suga, his preferred successor when he stepped down, saying he required treatment for a recurrence of a chronic bowel condition.

Suga, who was Abe’s chief spokesman for almost eight years, publicly defended the then prime minister when the allegations were first reported last year.

The pressure is building on Abe to give unsworn testimony before a parliamentary budget committee, possibly before the end of the year.

Suga has already seen his approval ratings tumble over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew fire for joining year-end social gatherings despite asking Japanese citizens to avoid such parties amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday questioned former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader, Yoshihide Suga. Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year.

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday questioned former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader, Yoshihide Suga. Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year. Prosecutors have been building a case against Abe's secretary over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,922) and had asked Abe to appear for voluntary questioning about the issue, domestic media reported this month. Tokyo prosecutors said they do not comment on investigations. Abe's office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile. The scandal risks tarnishing Abe’s legacy and could weaken Suga, his preferred successor when he stepped down, saying he required treatment for a recurrence of a chronic bowel condition. Suga, who was Abe’s chief spokesman for almost eight years, publicly defended the then prime minister when the allegations were first reported last year. The pressure is building on Abe to give unsworn testimony before a parliamentary budget committee, possibly before the end of the year. Suga has already seen his approval ratings tumble over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew fire for joining year-end social gatherings despite asking Japanese citizens to avoid such parties amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

'Cherry blossom' scandal: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe questioned by prosecutors

In Japan, the government of Yoshihide Suga is reinforcing the country's military might. It has proposed a record $51.7 billion defence budget. This is the ninth consecutive rise in Japan's military spending.

Japan's record $52 billion military budget aims at safeguarding against China

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year.

The coronavirus pandemic has wrought global economic carnage and countries across the world have announced massive cash injections.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-people-died-by-suicide-in-october-than-from-covid-19-in-2020-in-japan-346347">More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan</a>

Premier Yoshihide Suga said the latest package, worth 73.6 trillion yen ($708 billion) -- including loan schemes and actual government spending of around 40 trillion yen -- would be formally approved later Tuesday.

It is the first stimulus spending Suga has announced since taking office in September, and comes as Japan faces a spike in Covid-19 infections, with record numbers of new cases reported in recent weeks.

"We drew up (the stimulus package) to pave the way for new growth, to protect people's livelihoods as well as maintaining employment and keeping businesses going," he said.

Japan officially exited recession last month after three quarters of contraction, and hopes to cement its recovery with the latest spending -- which follows previous packages in April and June worth around 117 trillion yen each.

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Government data released Tuesday revised up Japan's GDP figure for the July-September period to 5.3 percent from a preliminary estimate of 5.0 percent.

The new package includes financial support for medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, and subsidies to continue a controversial domestic travel scheme supporting tourism-dependent businesses.

While Japan has seen a relatively small Covid-19 outbreak overall -- with 163,929 confirmed cases and 2,382 deaths -- there has been a sharp rise in infections, and doctors have warned that hospitals could be overwhelmed.

A severe shortage of medical staff has been reported in Osaka and the northern Hokkaido region, with local media saying military backup could be sent to hospitals there.

The package also features a $20 billion green tech fund designed to support projects from renewable energy development to pollution reduction.

In October, Suga set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments.

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year.

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year. The coronavirus pandemic has wrought global economic carnage and countries across the world have announced massive cash injections. Also read| More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan Premier Yoshihide Suga said the latest package, worth 73.6 trillion yen ($708 billion) -- including loan schemes and actual government spending of around 40 trillion yen -- would be formally approved later Tuesday. It is the first stimulus spending Suga has announced since taking office in September, and comes as Japan faces a spike in Covid-19 infections, with record numbers of new cases reported in recent weeks. "We drew up (the stimulus package) to pave the way for new growth, to protect people's livelihoods as well as maintaining employment and keeping businesses going," he said. Japan officially exited recession last month after three quarters of contraction, and hopes to cement its recovery with the latest spending -- which follows previous packages in April and June worth around 117 trillion yen each. × Government data released Tuesday revised up Japan's GDP figure for the July-September period to 5.3 percent from a preliminary estimate of 5.0 percent. The new package includes financial support for medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, and subsidies to continue a controversial domestic travel scheme supporting tourism-dependent businesses. While Japan has seen a relatively small Covid-19 outbreak overall -- with 163,929 confirmed cases and 2,382 deaths -- there has been a sharp rise in infections, and doctors have warned that hospitals could be overwhelmed. A severe shortage of medical staff has been reported in Osaka and the northern Hokkaido region, with local media saying military backup could be sent to hospitals there. The package also features a $20 billion green tech fund designed to support projects from renewable energy development to pollution reduction. In October, Suga set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments.

Japan unveils fresh $700 billion stimulus package

Newly appointed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-foreign-minister-visits-japan-to-seek-cooperation-amid-regional-tensions-345113">Japanese </a>Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday reviewed the country's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) troops in Iruma Air Base in Saitama prefecture.

Watch:

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The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">defence</a> forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields.

"It is getting more difficult for each organisation (Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces) to deal with separately," PM Suga said, adding, "It is important that we break barriers between ground, maritime and air self-Defense forces and tackle security challenges together."

Japan has been locked in a cold war with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-indian-australian-japanese-naval-forces-have-proved-their-ability-nimitz-commander-on-malabar-naval-exercise-344566">China</a> over the East China Sea even as the two countries have begun engaging in high-level talks. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had recently visited Japan amid Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.&nbsp;

Wang met PM Suga during his two-day visit to Tokyo as the foreign minister said Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to build "good working relations" with his Japanese counterpart. Wang asserted that his country would like to make the East China Sea "the sea of peace" in cooperation with Japan.

Japanese media had earlier reported it is ready to sign a defence pact with Australia amid growing threat from China's military power in the region.&nbsp;

Suga had visited Vietnam earlier as part of his first overseas trip since taking office last month and agreed to step up security and defence cooperation with an agreement in principle for Japan to export defence equipment and technology to Vietnam as it seeks to keep China influence in the South China Sea under control.

"The two sides agreed to tighten cooperation before regional challenges including the issue of the South China Sea," said Suga during his visit to Vietnam.

Newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday reviewed the country's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) troops in Iruma Air Base in Saitama prefecture.

Newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday reviewed the country's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) troops in Iruma Air Base in Saitama prefecture. Watch: The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the defence forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields. "It is getting more difficult for each organisation (Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces) to deal with separately," PM Suga said, adding, "It is important that we break barriers between ground, maritime and air self-Defense forces and tackle security challenges together." Japan has been locked in a cold war with China over the East China Sea even as the two countries have begun engaging in high-level talks. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had recently visited Japan amid Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region. Wang met PM Suga during his two-day visit to Tokyo as the foreign minister said Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to build "good working relations" with his Japanese counterpart. Wang asserted that his country would like to make the East China Sea "the sea of peace" in cooperation with Japan. Japanese media had earlier reported it is ready to sign a defence pact with Australia amid growing threat from China's military power in the region. Suga had visited Vietnam earlier as part of his first overseas trip since taking office last month and agreed to step up security and defence cooperation with an agreement in principle for Japan to export defence equipment and technology to Vietnam as it seeks to keep China influence in the South China Sea under control. "The two sides agreed to tighten cooperation before regional challenges including the issue of the South China Sea," said Suga during his visit to Vietnam.

Japan PM Suga reviews air defence troops, calls joint effort to develop new capabilities

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