Across Asia: Japan

$5 billion to Afghanistan

Japan yesterday announced $5 billion in fresh aid to Afghanistan even as it plans to bring home refueling ships supporting US-led forces there. The pledge comes just days before US President Barack Obama arrives in Tokyo for talks that are sure to focus on the countries' military alliance.

The announcement appears to be a way for Japan, which is barred from sending troops for combat by its pacifist constitution, to show support for Afghanistan's reconstruction while Obama reviews his options for a new strategy in the conflict, now in its eighth year.