Japan, Vietnam Agree to Enhance Maritime Defense Cooperation

Hanoi, Sept. 16 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera met with Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Defense Minister Phung Qugang Thanh in Hanoi Monday, agreeing to beef up bilateral defense cooperation with China's territorial claims over islands in mind. After the meetings, Onodera told reporters that he and the Vietnamese ministers both acknowledged the importance of resolving maritime issues based on law and through dialogue. These agreements come at a time when China is disputing with Japan over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea and with Vietnam over islands in the South China Sea. Onodera also said he made clear Japan's stance of welcoming the start of talks between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on a binding code of conduct to reduce tensions in the South China Sea. He disclosed that the Vietnamese side requested Japan to provide patrol vessels to strengthen its maritime policing capabilities. Though the matter is not under his ministry's jurisdiction, Onodera vowed to convey the request to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and relevant ministries, he said. END