Japan seeks to avoid escalation of islands row with China

Washington, DC, United States (4E) – Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe Friday stated that he will be working to avoid escalation of a territorial dispute with China.

In a speech during his Washington visit, Abe said although it will fight China in contesting the ownership of the islands, he said that the door is always open for the Chinese leaders.

China on Friday criticized Mr Abe after the Washington Post published an interview quoting him as saying Beijing had a “deeply ingrained” need to challenge its neighbours over territory.

Japanese officials said the quote was “misleading” and Mr Abe had not said China sought conflicts with other countries.

During the meeting Japan said that it is keen on joining the trade pact

---

---