Ahead of his meetings with the leaders of the United States and Russia, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been treading a fine line regarding the last weekend's U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria.
Park Se-young has more on Tokyo's reaction.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was quick to respond to the precision airstrikes launched by the United States, Britain and France on Syria's chemical weapons facilities.
"We fully support the U.S., British and French stance of not permitting the use and spread of chemical weapons."
Abe added that he will bring up the Syrian issue when he meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida later this week.
And in a reference to North Korea, he said Japan will work with the U.S. and the international community to maintain peace and stability in East Asia …amid the growing threat of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons in the region.
However, with Abe also scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in May, …he was careful about his wording regarding the military action strongly opposed by Moscow.
Although he expressed support for the reasoning behind the strikes, Abe only expressed "understanding" for the action taken.
"We also understand that this measure was taken as one to prevent further degradation of the situation."
With Abe set to discuss Tokyo's territorial dispute with Moscow over the Northern Territories, the Japanese government has been urged by local media not to antagonize with Russia before the May summit.
Park Se-young, Arirang News.
