US Congressional Report Express Concern Over Japan's Foreign Policy, Congratulates on Big Election Win by Abe's LDP

Hmmm. OK... (Here I thought you can't do both at the same time...)

From NHK English (8/2/2013; emphasis is mine):

US report expresses concern over Japan's policy

A report released by the US Congress says visits by Japanese Cabinet minister to war-related Yasukuni Shrine could increase tensions in East Asia.

The US Congressional Research Service on Friday published a new report on Japan-US relations. It indicates the deep concerns US officials have about Japan's relations with neighboring countries.

The report notes that relations between Japan and China are in stalemate about which nation has sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

It also says US authorities are concerned about the differences in historical perceptions between Japan and South Korea.

The report warns that regional tensions will increase if Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his cabinet members visit Yasukuni Shrine on August 15th to mark the end of World War Two.

Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan's war dead, as well as leading figures convicted of war crimes.

The report welcomes the recent Upper House election results. The ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Abe won the majority.

The document says that for US policymakers, the continuation of Japan's administration is a welcome change after several years of political paralysis.

It expresses expectations for Japan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations and its defense buildup.

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