US assures Japan over defence ties with China

The United States Defense Secretary, William Cohen, has been briefing the Japanese on his talks with China about strengthening their military ties.

American officials say that Mr Cohen reiterated in his talks with the Japanese prime minister, Ryuarto Hashimoto, in Tokyo that relations with China were developing gradually, as part of moves to promote regional stability.

During his visit to Japan, Mr Cohen also agreed the terms of a new defence agreement, under which the Japanese would provide logistical support to the American military in case of emergencies in the region.

Mr Cohen is shortly due in South Korea at the end of his tour of the region.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service