Japan signals readiness to join AIIB

TOKYO: Japan’s senior ruling party official has signalled its readiness to join the Chinabacked Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), saying it was crucial to reach a decision soon, the Nikkei newspaper reported yesterday. “The key would be how quickly Japan can decide to participate,” said Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Nikai, known for his close ties to China, was visiting Beijing to attend a twoday summit of China’s Belt and Road initiative. Agencies