Japan yesterday pledged ¥55 billion (US$452.5 million) in climate change and disaster aid to Pacific island nations that are battling rising sea levels and natural calamities as a result of global warming.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the pledge at a two-day meeting with the island nations’ leaders in Iwaki in northern Japan.
The assistance is to be distrubited over three years to help fight environmental disasters and access to clean water, renewable energy, waste management and related issues.
Japan is also to help with expert exchanges and training. Participants agreed to work together to preserve ocean life and encourage trade and investment.
THREATENED
The island nations include Fiji, the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands and others dotting the Pacific Ocean, some of which are threatened by rising sea levels.
“In order for us to face up to the fury of nature and also recover even better from disasters, we must bring to each other our wisdom and experiences while maintaining connections,” Abe said in a speech.
He also expressed gratitude to the nations’ leaders for helping in the recovery of the remains of Japanese soldiers who died on the islands during World War II, an important issue for Abe this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the end of that war.
NEW LEAF?
Abe has been eager to turn a new leaf for Japan in asserting itself in the region, not only economically but also in defense and diplomacy, and countering the growing prowess of regional rival China.
On Thursday, Abe announced US$110 billion in fresh infrastructure financing for Asia, topping the US$100 billion China set for its newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Japan has sided with the US in not joining the 57 countries in the new bank.
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