FACTBOX-Issues for Japan PM Aso's visit to Washington

Feb 23 - Japan's beleaguered Prime Minister Taro Aso flies to Washington on Monday for talks the following day with U.S. President Barack Obama designed to bolster confidence in the trans-Pacific alliance.

Following are key issues that Aso and Obama are expected to discuss:

- Financial crisis. Japan has suffered a sharper economic slowdown than the United States, adding to the political woes of the unpopular Aso. Aso will explain Tokyo's 75 trillion yen ($840 billion) plan to boost the Japanese economy through a mix of fiscal stimulus and financial measures and urge the United States to join Japan in holding the line against protectionism.

- Afghanistan. Hemmed in by an opposition that can block government efforts to contribute troops in any form to the allied effort, Aso is likely to highlight Tokyo's political support as well as the $2 billion it has pledged for humanitarian aid and reconstruction. He will also reiterate Tokyo's offer to host a donors' conference for Pakistan.

- North Korea. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met relatives of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang decades ago, assuaging Tokyo's concerns that U.S. policy might play down that emotive issue. But North Korea may be poised to test-launch a long-range missile, a worry to Japan, which is well within range of Pyongyang's arsenal.

- Climate change. Aso will urge the United States and other major emitters of greenhouse gases to join the post-Kyoto climate change framework to make it more inclusive and effective.