Benjamin Kang Lim, China Likely to Appoint Expert on North Korea, Japan as Foreign Minister.Reuters, Feb 27, 2013 (45 minutes ago) http://news.yahoo.com/china-like ... eign-222329774.html
("Another vice foreign minister, Cui Tiankai, 60, was to be named ambassador to the United States, the sources said")
This is the English original of the interview. If you read Chinese translation, there is no ned to read the English one.
(b) Steve Herman, Japan FM Outlines North Korean Strategy in VOA Interview. VOA Chinese, Feb 27, 2013 (report). http://www.voanews.com/content/j ... -korea/1611714.html
Quote:
"The Japanese foreign minister declares himself satisfied with Washington's support of Tokyo's territorial claims, although some in Japan have been hoping for more openly supportive rhetoric from US officials.
"In his interview with VOA, the foreign minister added that while Japan places emphasis on its partnership with the United States, which includes a military alliance, it is time for Tokyo to strengthen its own capabilities, including increasing defense expenditures as well as reviewing defense program guidelines.