Obama Asia Tour: US-Japan Treaty ‘Covers Disputed Islands’

As President Barack Obama continues his tour of Japan, the U.S. leader has reaffirmed his support for Tokyo in its row over islands with China. … Continue reading Obama Asia Tour: US-Japan Treaty ‘Covers Disputed Islands’


US-JapanAs President Barack Obama continues his tour of Japan, the U.S. leader has reaffirmed his support for Tokyo in its row over islands with China.

Mr. Obama, who is on a four-nation Asia tour, warned against escalation in the dispute and said that he wanted to see the row resolved peacefully.

A royal welcome greeted U.S. President, Barack Obama in Tokyo on Thursday as he kicked off a day-long tour of the Japanese capital, with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko shaking hands with Mr. Obama and ushering him onto a red carpet for an official welcome ceremony in the grounds of the Imperial Palace.

After the ceremony Obama headed for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, after which he confirmed that the islands falls under a security treaty that commits the U.S. to act if Japan is attacked.

Addressing a joint news conference, President Obama said: “Let me reiterate that our treaty commitment to Japan’s security is absolute and article 5 covers all territories under Japan’s administration including the Senkaku islands”, Obama said.

The U.S. President also said that the United States would defend a group of islands disputed between Japan and China if needed and threatened more sanctions on Russia.

“Large countries, small countries all have to abide by what is considered just and fair and that we are resolving disputes in peaceful fashion. And this is a message that I have delivered directly to the Chinese and it’s one that I think is entirely consistent with China being successful.

“I think the alternative is a situation in which large countries like the United States or China or Russia or other countries feel as if whenever they think its expedient they can take actions that disadvantage smaller countries.”

However, China rejected Mr. Obama’s remark that a security treaty between the U.S. and Japan covers a chain of islets disputed by Beijing and Tokyo.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Qin Gang said: “The so-called US-Japan security treaty is a product of the Cold War era and it cannot be aimed at a third party and ought not to harm China’s territorial sovereignty.

“No matter what anyone says or does, it cannot change the basic reality that the Diaoyu islands are China’s inherent territory and cannot shake the resolve and determination of the Chinese Government and people to protect (our) sovereignty and maritime rights”, he said.