Japan, Others Agree on Need for Pressure on N. Korea: Inada

Singapore, June 4 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said Sunday she has agreed with her counterparts of the United States, South Korea and other nations on the need for pressure on North Korea, which has not yet stopped acts of provocation. "It was meaningful as I agreed (with other participants) that North Korea poses a threat not only to Japan but also to the whole world," Inada told reporters in Singapore after attending the three-day Asia Security Summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, through Sunday. "I shared (with many of my counterparts) the view that now is the time for pressure, rather than dialogue, in dealing with North Korea," she said. Inada expressed her hope that China, which has influence over North Korea, will help increase the international pressure on the reclusive state. On a meeting Sunday between senior Japanese and Chinese defense officials, Inada said China is an important neighbor of Japan and has a vital role to play to ensure regional order and peace. Japan and China should have many opportunities to hold direct talks, she said. END