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TOKYO : The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), set for power after an election win, Wednesday struck a coalition deal with two parties after agreeing to review aspects of the US military presence in the country.
"We finally reached an agreement," DPJ secretary general Katsuya Okada, tapped as the next foreign minister, said after wrapping up talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the smaller People's New Party (PNP).
"It took time, but we were able to reach a good, forward-looking accord," Okada said after the closed-door talks. "Now that the leaders of the three parties can sign (the accord), we can move on to the next step."
The prime minister-in-waiting, DPJ party president Yukio Hatoyama, was scheduled to meet the leaders of the two parties at 5:30 pm (0830 GMT) to formally endorse the agreement, party officials said.
The DPJ won a sweeping majority in the lower house on August 30, defeating the long-ruling conservative party, but it needs the support of the two groups in the upper house, the chamber which can block or stall legislation.
According to news media, the three parties clinched the deal after they agreed to "review the planned realignment of US military forces in Japan."
More than half of the 47,000 US troops based in Japan are stationed on Okinawa, where their presence has often caused tensions with local residents, especially when American service members have committed crimes.
Coalition talks had been stalled by disagreements over how Japan should deal with the US military presence, long a political hot-button issue.
The SDP -- an ardent defender of the pacifist principles enshrined in Japan's post-World War II constitution -- has pushed for a reduction of US bases and opposed Japanese support for US military missions.
It has also demanded a review of the controversial planned relocation of the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station within Okinawa prefecture, from the crowded urban area of Ginowan to the coastal area of Nago.
The three parties also agreed to propose a revision of the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement which, the Social Democrats claim, unfairly gives undue extra-territorial rights to US personnel.
Hatoyama has sought to calm worries in Washington that his government would cool towards America and in the days after his party's election victory played down his support for a quick reduction of the US military presence.
Hatoyama -- who is to meet US President Barack Obama this month -- has vowed to form constructive, forward-looking relations with Washington, and called their post-war alliance the foundation of Japan's diplomacy.
The DPJ has also sought strong ties with China and other Asian neighbours.
Earlier in the day, Hatoyama met with Wu Dawei, a high-ranking Chinese envoy, to discuss ties between the Asian giants amid Tokyo's shift of power.
Okada joined the meeting with Wu, China's vice foreign minister and top negotiator in efforts to end North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.
China plans to host a summit soon with Japan and South Korea.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday praised the DPJ.
"China appreciates the positive attitude of leaders of the Democratic Party of Japan towards relations with China," he was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency.
China "is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Japan's new cabinet, enhance mutual trust... and push for the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan to continue to develop."
- AFP
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