Japan News Online

China slams Aso's remarks, opposes bilateral meeting

A Chinese government spokesman on Thursday called remarks by Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso on China posing a threat ''highly irresponsible'' and questioned his intentions. Now is the wrong time for a meeting between Aso and his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang also told a scheduled press briefing.

Australia's Howard voices opposition to whaling with Japan

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Thursday that despite the close ties between Australia and Japan, he once again raised his opposition to Japanese whaling during bilateral talks with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi last week. Howard told Australian media that at the talks in Kuala Lumpur last week, ''I did not lose the opportunity of telling him of my continued opposition to Japan's position on whaling.''

Chinese white paper reiterates intent to develop peacefully

China's State Council issued a white paper Thursday reiterating the country intends to develop peacefully by relying on itself while not hurting other countries. The State Council Information Office's 30-page white paper, titled ''China's Peaceful Development Road,'' follows criticism from abroad China's military expansion poses a security threat; that its energy consumption could drain world resources; and that its economic power could strain job markets overseas.