Japan PM Takaichi vows 'breakthrough' on North Korean abductee issue
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she is determined to achieve a 'breakthrough' in resolving the long-standing issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, vowing to weigh all options, according to South China Morning Post.
South China Morning Post · KyodoJapan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Saturday she is 'determined to achieve a breakthrough' in resolving the long-standing issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, vowing to 'weigh all options'. According to the South China Morning Post, Takaichi spoke at the annual meeting with families of the abductees and said the government will continue to operate diplomatic channels.
The topic has a long history in Japanese domestic politics; Pyongyang acknowledged some abduction cases in 2002 but could not reach a resolution with Tokyo on the fate of the remaining individuals. Family Federation chairman Takuya Yokota said it is 'time for concrete steps' from the government. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Washington provides 'full support' for Japan's efforts.
North Korea has not yet provided a direct response to Tokyo. Past mechanisms such as the 2014 Stockholm agreement were tried between Tokyo and Pyongyang, but progress was limited. For markets, investors will track Japanese domestic politics, yen exchange-rate moves and regional risk-premium dynamics. This commentary is not investment advice.
More from Asia
Huge blast kills dozens in rebel-held village in Myanmar
A large blast in a rebel-held village in Myanmar has killed dozens of people, BBC reported. The cause has not yet been officially confirmed. According to BBC reporting, various armed groups have issued statements about the incident.
South Korea's ruling party heads for big win in local elections
Initial results from South Korea's local elections indicate the ruling party is heading for a significant majority, Nikkei Asia reported. The outcome is being read as support for the government's economic policy agenda. Implications for the equity market and credit ratings are being watched by investors.
At least 21 killed in Delhi hotel fire, including foreign nationals
At least 21 people, including foreign tourists, were killed in a fire at a hotel in India's capital Delhi. Following the casualties, authorities said they are reviewing the hotel's fire-safety inspections.