U.S. urges Japan to consider sanctions on Russia if Ukraine invaded

The United States has urged Japan to consider imposing economic sanctions on Moscow if Russian troops invade Ukraine, diplomatic sources said Saturday.Japan, however, has deferred its response to the U.S. request, fearing the possible ramifications on relations with Russia and bilateral issues, including a long-standing territorial dispute that Tokyo is seeking a breakthrough on, the sources said.As tensions run high over a possible invasion amid a massive Russian military presence on the border of neighboring Ukraine, Washington hopes to rally Japan and other countries that uphold the rule…READ FULL ARTICLE