Japan's Foreign Minister cancels US trip
Last Updated:
Japan's Foreign Minister has called off a trip to Washington, D.C., that was meant to discuss a problem over the transfer of US bases in the southern prefecture of Okinawa.
The Government says the cancellation is due to scheduling difficulties and denies it would affect relations.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has promised to develop a more independent diplomatic path and review security agreements with Washington.
This has underscored differences, particularly over the relocation of a U.S. Marine base in Okinawa and transfer of Marines to the US territory of Guam.
The Futenma Marine base is a source of irritation for local residents, and Washington wants to push ahead with a 2006 plan to re-locate it in a less heavily-populated part of Okinawa.
US President Barack Obama is due to visit Japan next week.
   |
   |
Features
News programs on Australia Network
News programs on Radio Australia
 
|
