Japan, US discuss Senkaku Islands tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama have agreed that Japan and China should resolve tensions over the Senkaku Islands through dialogue. White House officials said Obama and Abe talked over the phone and discussed the islands in the East China Sea. Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. China and Taiwan claim them, according to Japan\'s (NHK WORLD) website. Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping also discussed the islands at their summit in California last week. During their latest phone conversation, Obama and Prime Minister Abe confirmed the importance of securing regional stability and holding dialogue over the matter. They also agreed to cooperate closely in dealing with North Korea\'s nuclear program. White House officials said Obama also told Abe that he welcomes Japan joining the negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement.