China Defense Chief Visits Japan

Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan is to begin a five day visit to Japan for talks with top military leaders. Mr. Cao is expected to meet his newly installed counterpart, Masahiko Komura, and inspect Japanese Self-Defense Force troops. His visit is the first by a Chinese defense minister in over nine years.

Japan Resumes Aid to Palestinians

Japan has resumed direct aid to the Palestinian government for the first time since the Hamas election victory after agreeing to a $20m package. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Taro Aso signed the deal with Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas. Aid was suspended after Hamas formed a government in 2006 but it was fired by Mr. Abbas in June this year. Japan wants to boost economic ties between Israel and the Palestinian government to revive the peace process.