Are the Tensions in the South China Sea Decreasing the Chance for International Nuclear Disarmament? By Hope Coulter

(Source: MindaNation)
Rodrigo Duterte speaking with Shinzō Abe

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte spent three days in late October visiting Japan, where he held two rounds of talks with Japan’s Prime minister Shinzō Abe. During talks which focused on military and economic policy, Duterte expressed support for Japan’s continued naval presence in the South China Sea. Abe commended Duterte’s efforts to improve the Philippine-Chinese relationship, easing the tension that Duterte’s pursuit of an economic relationship with China had put on Philippine-Japan relations. The two heads of state signed a number of agreements which included Japan’s provision of coast guard boats and military trainer aircraft to strengthen Philippine maritime security, and commitment to support economic development in the Philippines through agricultural promotion projects. (Japan Today)

(Source: UN)
Prime minister speaking on the possibility of abstaining from the outlawing of nuclear weapons

Japanese political sources have stated that Japan will not be supporting a United Nations resolution urging negotiations in 2017 to outlaw nuclear weapons. It is not yet known whether Japan will abstain from voting or will vote against the draft. The United States, with whom Japan shares close diplomatic and economic ties, has urged Japan to vote against the draft. The Japanese Foreign Ministry opposes the resolution, stating that it does not account for the importance of nuclear deterrence. (Japan Today, Kyodo News)