Sony reports first annual profit in five years

Sony has reported an annual profit for the first time in five years, boosted by asset sales and a weakening yen.

Net profit was 43bn yen ($436m) in the year to 31 March, compared with a 457bn loss a year earlier.

Sony said the yen's recent fall, which makes its goods cheaper for foreign buyers, boosted sales. A weak yen also lifts profits when firms repatriate their foreign earnings back home.
Posted by Unknown 5/09/2013

Japan PM Abe warns China of force over islands landing

Japan would respond with force if any attempt is made to land on disputed islands, PM Shinzo Abe has warned.

His comments came as eight Chinese government ships sailed near East China Sea islands that both nations claim.

A flotilla of 10 fishing boats carrying Japanese activists was also reported to be in the area, as well as the Japanese coastguard.
Posted by Unknown 4/23/2013

Kerry urges North Korea to join regional dialogue

The US will do what is necessary to defend our allies against these provocations, but our choice is to negotiate; US Secretary of State John Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry has called on North Korea's leaders to "come to the table in a responsible way" to end regional tensions.

Speaking in Tokyo, the fourth and final stop on his Asian tour, Mr Kerry warned North Korea it risked further isolation if its threats continued.

He also reaffirmed the US commitment to defend its allies, including Japan.
The countries he had visited were united in seeking the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, he said.
On Friday Mr Kerry visited South Korea, and on Saturday he was in China, whose leaders he has said are "very serious" in their pledge to help reduce tensions - and to help end the North Korean nuclear programme.

Speculation has been building that the North is preparing a missile launch, following reports that it has moved at least two Musudan ballistic missiles to its east coast.
Posted by Unknown 4/15/2013