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Japan’s defense minister begins visits to Cambodia and Vietnam, both under Beijing’s shadow

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Japan’s defense minister held talks with senior officials in Cambodia, a top ally of China, on Monday as he began a Southeast Asian trip that will also take him to Vietnam, whose relations with Beijing are complicated by maritime disputes.

Japan has historically maintained warm relations with Cambodia, but its influence is minor compared to that of China, Tokyo’s biggest geopolitical rival in Asia, with growing influence throughout Southeast Asia. Tokyo is disturbed by China’s aggressive maritime activity, as are several Southeast Asian nations, and seeks to counter Beijing’s diplomatic and economic outreach.

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara held talks with his Cambodian counterpart, Tea Seiha, as well as with Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is now president of the Senate, Defense Ministry spokesperson Gen. Chhum Sochet said on his Facebook page.

He said the two defense ministers vowed to promote cooperation. especially in human resources and exchanges of personnel visits, as spelled out in a 2013 memorandum of understanding.

A separate Defense Ministry statement said the two sides agreed to hold a joint military training course covering disaster rescue operations and to exchange military attachés.

Kihara told reporters before his trip that Japan has been stepping up defense ties with Cambodia and Vietnam in recent years and that he hopes to deepen cooperation.

“Southeast Asian countries are in strategically important areas that are part of Japan’s crucial sea lanes,” Kihara said.

He said Japan has elevated its relations with both Cambodia and Vietnam to the level of comprehensive and strategic partnership.

Kihara said he hoped to share his “understanding of the

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