Japan to monitor ships to N Korea

Tokyo: Japan is to monitor waters off its western and southern coasts as part of increased warning and surveillance activities following talks with Washington over North Korea's nuclear test.

Japan's statement on Sunday comes a day after Assistant US Secretary of State Christopher Hill and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in Japan for crisis talks.

A consulate spokesman said Hill will visit Hong Kong for briefings by consulate staff on the freezing of North Korean funds in Macau.

Media reports on Sunday said that Tokyo would notify the US and other forces of suspicious ships heading towards North Korea by monitoring its northwest and western coast.

Tokyo is also considering deploying numerous destroyers and patrol aircraft to conduct warning and surveillance activities, including providing logistical support to US warships involved.

The issue of how to inspect ships heading to and from North Korea was discussed with Washington as Japan's involvement is confined by constitutional restraints on its military that bans the possession of armed forces.

However, the post-World War Two constitution has been interpreted to allow forces for self-defence.