Japan Foreign Relations Southeast Asia

Secretary of State James A. Baker III came to the defense of Japan on Saturday after a top Southeast Asian official voiced fears that growing Japanese power plus friction between Washington and Tokyo could threaten the security of the region. The issue was raised by Foreign Minister Abu Hassan Omar of Malaysia during a closed-door meeting here of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations. Citing the decline in East-West tensions and some U.S.

Secretary of State James A. Baker III arrived Tuesday for a meeting of Southeast Asian nations at which Japan is emphasizing more than ever before its differences with the United States, both on human rights questions and on defense policy. At the annual conference of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan seized the initiative by proposing an enhanced security role for ASEAN--a suggestion that met with a cool response from the United States.

Secretary of State James A. Baker III arrived Tuesday for a meeting of Southeast Asian nations at which Japan is emphasizing more than ever before its differences with the United States, both on human rights questions and on defense policy. At the annual conference of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan seized the initiative by proposing an enhanced security role for ASEAN--a suggestion that met with a cool response from the United States.

Secretary of State James A. Baker III came to the defense of Japan on Saturday after a top Southeast Asian official voiced fears that growing Japanese power plus friction between Washington and Tokyo could threaten the security of the region. The issue was raised by Foreign Minister Abu Hassan Omar of Malaysia during a closed-door meeting here of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations. Citing the decline in East-West tensions and some U.S.

Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu left Saturday for a South Asian tour during which he is expected to announce increased economic aid to the region. After an overnight stop in Bangkok, Thailand, Kaifu is to fly to New Delhi, first leg of a tour that will include stops in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He will also visit Indonesia before returning home May 6. Kaifu will make a keynote speech Monday to the Indian Parliament covering Japan's policy in Asia, officials said.

Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu left Saturday for a South Asian tour during which he is expected to announce increased economic aid to the region. After an overnight stop in Bangkok, Thailand, Kaifu is to fly to New Delhi, first leg of a tour that will include stops in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He will also visit Indonesia before returning home May 6. Kaifu will make a keynote speech Monday to the Indian Parliament covering Japan's policy in Asia, officials said.