Japan's new policies towards US

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Hatoyama and his cabinet have held their first press conference. The foreign and defense ministers outlined new policies towards the US.

Japan is re-defining its relations with the US.

Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada says Tokyo will not extend a naval refueling mission for US-led military operations in Afghanistan. Instead, it will seek alternative forms of support.

Okada also spoke of deepening ties with the US before the Upper House election next July. He says negotiations should start soon on other issues, such as reducing the burden of military bases on the southern island of Okinawa and global warming.

Okada says he will strengthen relations with China, South Korea, India and Australia. A major priority is the the DPRK nuclear issue.

Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa also confirmed Japan will withdraw naval refueling vessels from the Indian Ocean after their mission comes to an end in January.

But he stressed relations with the US remain the principal axis in Japan's foreign defense.