Japan enlists China's help on N. Korea

SINGAPORE--Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura urged Beijing on Tuesday to put more pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear development programs, sources said.

During talks here on the sidelines of ASEAN gatherings, Komura also asked Yang to support Tokyo's efforts to get Pyongyang to reopen its investigation into abductions of Japanese nationals prior to the six-way talks here Wednesday.

The two agreed to accelerate negotiations to conclude a formal agreement on the joint development of gas fields in East China Sea.(IHT/Asahi: July 23,2008)