Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1100 GMT, April 28

South Korea on Friday denied U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about the cost of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system that was deployed in the nation's southeast region earlier this week.

An official at Seoul's defense ministry told Xinhua that there has been no change made in its basic principle that South Korea provides land and infrastructure while the U.S. side pays the cost to deploy and operate the THAAD system. (South Korea-U.S.-THAAD)

- - - -

MANILA -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak urged here on Friday for the reduction of non-tariff barriers and measures so as to facilitate intra-ASEAN trade.

"Non-tariff barriers and measures must be reduced and ultimately removed. This is a stubborn worldwide problem, but it is in ASEAN's own interests to lead the way in this endeavor," Najib said while addressing a session themed "Prosperity for All Summit" held during the ASEAN's 30th summit and related meetings.

The Malaysian prime minister said that ASEAN countries had to further bring down the existing trade tariffs. (Philippines-ASEAN-Trade Tariffs)

- - - -

MANILA -- Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday urged all parties concerned to exercise self-retraint to de-escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The ministers reiterated their position in a statement that they support the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. (Philippines-ASEAN-Korean Peninsula)

- - - -

TOKYO -- Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) said Friday that it conducted a joint drill east of Okinawa with U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, according to local media reports.

Defense Minister Tomomi Inada told a press briefing that the exercise was held to further strengthen the deterrence power of the Japan-U.S. alliance and to "show our country's commitment to the region's stability." (Japan-U.S.-Jets) Endit