This is an excerpt of an editorial from Asahi Shimbun in Tokyo that was published Friday.

THE RACE to develop warheads and missiles under a climate of rivalry and nationalism can undermine the peace and stability of the South Asia region. We are deeply concerned about the nuclear weapons race being waged by India and Pakistan, and we urge them to halt further development and testing of missiles.

The Japanese government must maintain persistent pressure on the two countries to give up development of nuclear weapons and missiles. The suspension of economic assistance will have to be maintained until they change their attitude.