Japan, Russia agree to cooperate on security as China rises

Japan and Russia held their first joint defense and foreign ministers' meeting on Saturday and agreed to boost security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific as they both warily watch neighboring China's rising influence.

Japan and Russia have never signed a treaty to mark the end of World War II because of a territorial dispute but they are moving to deepen ties despite that, and despite Russian concern about Japan's role in a US missile defense program. (Reuters)