Japan to express concern over Britain's closeness with China

Japan plans to convey to Britain its concern about what it sees as London's closer ties with Beijing focusing on bilateral economic benefits but overlooking issues of maritime assertiveness and human rights, Japanese government sources said Monday.

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to hold telephone talks with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, possibly later this week, and tell him Tokyo thinks it is undesirable for Britain to boost relations with China without criticizing the Asian country's behavior in the East and South China seas and its human rights record, the sources said.

The move by Japan comes as Britain is apparently drawing closer to China, having sealed investment and trade deals last week worth about 40 billion pounds ($61.35 billion) during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country.
 [Kyodo News]
27/10/15
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