"Authoritarian countries have amassed tremendous power, both economically and militarily," said Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, adding "We must rebuild a world order based on the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

Will citizens be allowed to speak freely over the internet in this "new world order?" Or oppose radical ideologies in schools? Or question the results of an election? Or will it just be another form of authoritarianism with a PR campaign? We digress.

Nishimura spoke ahead of a visit to Washington next week by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for talks expected to cover issues including Ukraine, North Korea and China's tensions with Taiwan. That summit will be preceded by talks between defense and foreign ministers of the two countries.

Kishida said this week he would discuss Tokyo's new security policy after Washington's key ally in countering China's growing might in Asia last month unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War Two. -Reuters

"We might need to make preparations to identify the choke points of countries wanting to engage in coercion and then take countermeasures if necessary," said Nishimura, who warned that democracies need to protect their industrial power and guard against technology theft - particularly those which could be used for military applications.