JAPAN-UK/FOREIGN MINISTERS Japan and UK Foreign Ministers discuss Japan's security legislation during talks in Tokyo

Record ID: 144697

  • Title: JAPAN-UK/FOREIGN MINISTERS Japan and UK Foreign Ministers discuss Japan's security legislation during talks in Tokyo
  • Date: 8th August 2015
  • Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (AUGUST 8, 2015) (REUTERS) BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY PHILIP HAMMOND, WALKING IN WITH JAPAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER, FUMIO KISHIDA HAMMOND AND KISHIDA SHAKING HANDS UK AND JAPANESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SITTING DOWN VARIOUS OF KISHIDA AND HAMMOND TALKING DURING DIALOGUE UK AND JAPANESE FLAG HAMMOND AND KISHIDA WALKING IN FOR JOINT STATEMENT (SOUNDBITE) (Japanes
  • Embargoed: 23rd August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Japan
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA7URW17PC6H5ZVGBP8IQMGC2Y3
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting in Tokyo on Saturday (August 8) and discussed Japan's security legislation reforms and the latest developments in Southeast Asia.
    "From my end, I talked about Japan's security legislation based on assertive pacifism and international cooperation, and I received support. I also talked about the latest on Southeast Asia's security environment," Kishida said following the talks.
    Last month, legislation for a dramatic change in Japan's defence policy that could allow troops to fight abroad for the first time since World War Two was approved by a lower house panel, which sparked large protests from ordinary voters against the change.
    Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says a bolder security stance, welcomed by key ally Washington, is vital to meet new challenges, such as those from a rising China.
    Opponents say the revisions violate the post-war constitution's pacifist Article 9 and could entangle Japan in U.S.-led conflicts around the globe.
    The United Kingdom, however, welcomed, the move.
    "I very much welcome Japan's reform of its security legislation in order to allow it to play a greater role in international peace and security. Japan has demonstrated over many decades its commitment to peaceful progress," Hammond said.
    He is also scheduled to meet Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani during his trip.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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