Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits Los Angeles to strengthen economic ties

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At a luncheon in downtown Los Angeles, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continued his push for stronger economic ties with the United States. He met with the U.S. secretary of commerce at the Forum.

Abe promised to work with the U.S. toward strengthening economic ties, including promoting more direct investment in each other's markets.

Earlier this week, he and President Obama signed an updated defense agreement that would allow for Japan to respond militarily should U.S. interests be attacked.

There is growing concern over China expanding its territory. Abe's press secretary, Yasuhisha Kawamura, spoke with Eyewitness News Friday.

He said while the agreement is not aimed at defending against any one country, it is clear that China's actions have leaders concerned.

Protestors showed up demanding an apology and reparations for Japan's role in forcing women to become sex slaves, known as comfort women, for their military in World War II.

"One year of being a sexual slave equates to how many calendar years of torture?" protestor Betty Tom Chu said.

Kawamura said Abe did see the protesters and offered his condolences.

"The prime minister has repeatedly said, 'I am deeply pained to think of a comfort woman who suffered immeasurable pains,'" he said.

Abe heads back to Japan Saturday morning and said the visit was an "exhausting, but fruitful trip."