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Cheney ready for US-Japan talks Cheney ready for US-Japan talks
(about 4 hours later)
US Vice-President Dick Cheney is due in Tokyo at the start of a trip that officials say is designed to bolster America's strategic alliances in Asia. US Vice-President Dick Cheney has arrived in Tokyo at the start of a trip officials say is designed to bolster America's strategic alliances in Asia.
Mr Cheney will hold talks with senior government officials and visit US forces stationed in Japan.Mr Cheney will hold talks with senior government officials and visit US forces stationed in Japan.
The North Korean nuclear issue, relations with China, and Japanese support for the US-led coalition in Iraq will figure on the agenda.The North Korean nuclear issue, relations with China, and Japanese support for the US-led coalition in Iraq will figure on the agenda.
Following his visit, the vice-president will travel to Australia on Thursday.Following his visit, the vice-president will travel to Australia on Thursday.
Japan and Australia are close friends of the United States - "probably two of the best allies we have anywhere in the world," according to a senior official from the US administration.Japan and Australia are close friends of the United States - "probably two of the best allies we have anywhere in the world," according to a senior official from the US administration.
Japan sent troops to help with reconstruction efforts in Iraq. Its self defence forces provide logistical support for the coalition in Afghanistan.Japan sent troops to help with reconstruction efforts in Iraq. Its self defence forces provide logistical support for the coalition in Afghanistan.
Middle East roleMiddle East role
Both sides say the talks in Tokyo will focus on security, not economic ties.Both sides say the talks in Tokyo will focus on security, not economic ties.
North Korea will of course be on the agenda. North Korea will of course be on the agenda, the BBC's Chris Hogg in Tokyo says.
Abe wants to make sure Japan is not ignored The US has key bases on the Japanese island of Okinawa
Then there will be the question of Japan's continued support for US efforts in the Middle East. There will also be the question of Japan's continued support for US efforts in the Middle East, and what kind of help will be needed in the coming months.
What kind of help will be needed in the months to come and how long for?
That of course is not an easy one to answer.
Japan's relations with its near-neighbour China are likely to be covered too.Japan's relations with its near-neighbour China are likely to be covered too.
The Americans believe ties with Tokyo are stronger than ever. The Americans believe ties with Tokyo are stronger than ever, our correspondent says. Japan relies on the US to guarantee its security.
Japan relies on the US to guarantee its security. But analysts say Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be seeking reassurances that setbacks in Iraq and elsewhere will not mean the US loses interest in trying to resolve the difficult issues in this part of the world.
But analysts say Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be seeking reassurances that setbacks in Iraq and elsewhere won't mean the US loses interest in trying to resolve the difficult issues in this part of the world.