Japan, Vietnam to tighten maritime relations amid China threat

Kyodo

Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang (L) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands prior to their talks on Indonesia's Bali Island on Oct. 7, 2013, before the start of the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
Japan and Vietnam agreed Monday to promote maritime security cooperation between the two countries, apparently in response to increasingly assertive naval activities by China.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit in Bali, Indonesia. 

They also shared the goal of encouraging more Japanese companies to invest in Vietnam for the country's economic development.
Japan "has been concerned about (unilateral attempts) to change the status quo by force," Abe told Sang, according to one of the officials, apparently referring to China's naval activities that have led to its territorial rows with other Asian countries, including Japan and Vietnam, in the East and South China Sea.
Sang agreed with Abe, saying that such disputes must be resolved in accordance with international law, the official added.
On the economy, Abe said Japan will further cooperate with Vietnam in improving the business environment in the country and promote additional investment by Japanese firms. 

He also promised Japan's support in developing human resources in Vietnam.
Abe asked Sang to keep pressing North Korea to help resolve the issue of that country's past abductions of Japanese citizens, which has prevented Tokyo and Pyongyang from normalizing relations.
Sang said Vietnam, which has diplomatic ties with the North, understands Japan's position, the officials said.