Japan to join important treaty of ASEAN

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Japan to join important treaty of ASEAN

Japan will join a crucial treaty of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), said a top government spokesman Tuesday.

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Japan will join a crucial treaty of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), said a top government spokesman Tuesday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said at a press conferencethat Japan regards it proper to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

He said the decision was made in consideration of traditional close friendship with ASEAN members and the strong request from them.

The treaty emphasizes that ASEAN members should carry out cooperations based on respect for each other's independence and sovereignty, the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other states and peaceful solution of disputes.

Fukuda added that joining the TAC will not have impact on the security cooperation between Japan and the United States, under which Japan is supposed to provide support for US military operations.

The move came before Japan is to hold a special summit between Japanese and ASEAN leaders next month in Tokyo.

Competing with other non-ASEAN Asian nations, Japan is scrambling to strengthen and expand relations with ASEAN, both politically and economically, as the 10-member regional organization is building up its influence.

Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa on Tuesday urged for a comprehensive alliances with ASEAN to help boost Japan's economy.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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