Japan seeks Mongolia support in island row

AFP/Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sought support from Mongolia yesterday in Tokyo’s territorial row with Beijing over disputed East China Sea islands, during a visit to the country.

Abe arrived in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator seeking closer trade and diplomatic ties with the mineral-rich nation, a potentially important strategic partner due to its location on China’s northern border and diplomatic ties with North Korea.

“I asked for Mongolian support relating to the Chinese situation and Mongolia expressed its understanding of the Japanese position,” Abe said.

 “I understand the Mongolian situation regarding this issue,” he added, at a press conference which followed meetings with Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag.

Japan’s hawkish leader, who has not held summit meetings with Chinese leaders since he took power in December, also said “the door is open for talks” with China.