11.   Since China has expressed concern about the joint Japan-U.S. security declaration, such a stance toward Beijing could elicit a vicious cycle of mutual distrust.

12.   Hashimoto believes confidence building with Russia has increased in importance after the Japan-US joint security declaration, Jiji said.

13.   According to a draft copy of the security model declaration seen by AFP, it will make no mention of NATO.

14.   Beijing also was concerned that the US-Japanese security declaration signed after the showdown over Taiwan was an effort to contain China, Chi said.

15.   South Korea on Thursday welcomed the US-Japan joint security declaration as beneficial to maintaining peace on the Korean peninsula, underpinned by the US military presence.

16.   The new joint security declaration does not require Senate ratification, the White House official said.