Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi for outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio, who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the strong and comprehensive development of Vietnam-Japan ties during the ambassador's tenure. Japan has remained one of Vietnam's top economic partners, being the leading provider of official development assistance (ODA), the second largest investor and labor partner, the third largest tourism partner, and the fourth largest trade partner. Vietnam and Japan have elevated their diplomatic ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. The total ODA loan amount for post-COVID-19 recovery increased by an additional US$1 billion in 2023. Japan's cumulative direct investment in Vietnam rose to US$74.2 billion, a 24% increase since the start of the diplomat's term. Two-way trade reached US$45 billion, up 13.6% from 2020. Prime Minister Chinh attributed these achievements to the dedication of Ambassador Yamada and the embassy staff. He expressed his hope that the ambassador would continue to promote the Vietnam-Japan relationship in future positions. Yamada thanked the Vietnamese Government, ministries, agencies, localities, and people for their support during his tenure. He noted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between Vietnam and Japan is gradually being translated into concrete action through various projects.
On May 8, 2024, Japan's Ambassador to Nagaland, Hiroshi Suzuki, and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio jointly inaugurated the Kohima Peace Memorial and laid the foundation stone of Eco Park Kohima. The memorial and park symbolize peace, reconciliation, and hold educational value. Ambassador Suzuki acknowledged the Battle of Kohima as one of the most disastrous battles in World War II and expressed sympathy for the people of Nagaland who had to endure the ordeal. He hoped that the Eco-Park would become a new landmark in Kohima, symbolizing the friendship between Japan and Nagaland. Chief Minister Rio highlighted the close association between Nagaland and Japan and expressed commitment to forge stronger ties. The 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Kohima is being commemorated this year with various events planned. Ambassador Suzuki also visited the Kohima War Cemetery, Kohima Cathedral, and World War II Museum at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel made a historic visit to Yonaguni Island, located in Okinawa Prefecture and just 160 km from Taipei. This marks the first time a U.S. ambassador has traveled to the island. During his visit, Ambassador Emanuel met with Yonaguni Mayor Kenichi Itokazu and had lunch with some of the approximately 250 Self-Defense Forces (SDF) troops deployed there. The discussions centered around economic opportunities linked with security for Japan's westernmost island. Yonaguni Island is considered a front-line island near Taiwan, and the visit by Ambassador Emanuel highlights the importance of the region in the context of U.S.-Japan relations and regional security.
According to a recent news report from The Washington Post, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel visited two southwestern Japanese islands, Yonaguni and Ishigaki, which are at the forefront of tension with China. Japan has been shifting its defense posture towards the southwest and accelerating its military buildup under a 2022 security strategy. Emanuel's visit aimed to show US support for the local fishing community affected by China's assertive actions. He emphasized the importance of deterrence and robust defense to ensure peace, security, and economic prosperity. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary welcomed the ambassador's trip and the reinforcement of security in the southwestern region. Local residents staged a small protest amid concerns of being affected in a possible US-China conflict. Okinawa's Governor supports the Japan-U.S. security alliance but calls for a reduction in the number of American troops on the island. [32bab885]
The U.S. ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, has called for Japan's help to quickly replenish the U.S. missile inventory and repair warships. This request comes as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continue, and the U.S. seeks to maintain its deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. Talks between the U.S. and Japan have been held to accelerate military industrial cooperation, focusing on missile co-production, maintenance and repair of U.S. Navy ships and Air Force aircraft, and strengthening the supply chain. The U.S. ambassador emphasized the need for production rather than more meetings, as China's shipbuilding capacity is expected to surpass that of the U.S. Japan has been increasing its military buildup and joint operations with the U.S., while also trying to strengthen its domestic defense industry. Japan is currently the only foreign home port for a U.S. aircraft carrier deployed in the region. In December, Japan eased its arms export restrictions to accommodate a U.S. request for the shipment of surface-to-air PAC-3 missile interceptors produced in Japan. [02885188]