US-Japan committed to alliance

US President Barack Obama has met with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at the start of his nine day visit to east Asia.

The two leaders have pledged to renew their nations' alliance to keep pace with a fast changing-world. On climate change, both said they aspire to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

Obama first of all reassured his Japanese counterpart that the US-Japan alliance will not just be maintained but advanced with the times.

Barack Obama, US President, said, "Our alliance will endure and our efforts will focus on renewing our friendship...essential for the Asia-Pacific region."

The leaders of the United States and Japan say they "aspire" to reduce their countries' greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

In a joint statement, the two leaders said shifting to low-carbon growth was crucial for the planet's health and would help revive the global economy. But the two leaders did not discuss an action plan for achieving this.

On Afghanistan, Obama rejected claims that his administration is being hesitant. He said a decision on how many more troops would be sent to Afghanistan will come soon, and that he's being careful to ensure the measures will effectively protect America and its allies from terrorist networks.

Another issue at stake is security on the Korean peninsular.

Barack Obama, US President, said, "US and Japan, with other members of the six-party talks, will continue to work to show North Korea there is a pathway, a door to join the international community that would serve their people well and enhance their security over the long term."

Hatoyama has promised to end Japan's Indian Ocean refueling mission that supports US-led forces in Afghanistan. Instead, Japan pledged to send 5 billion dollars in aid to the region to help the international effort. Hatoyama said Japan should now focus on humanitarian aid to develop the country from a non-military perspective.