Earlier this month two militias fought each other in a territorial dispute near the town of Zawiya, west of Tripoli.

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Mr Abe, elected in December for his second stint as Japanese leader, said Japan would proceed in a "calm manner" in a territorial dispute with China.

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In the mid-1970s, Chile and Argentina became involved in what came to be known as the Beagle Conflict, a territorial dispute over the nearby Picton, Lennox, and Nueva islands.

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Trade with the United States and major Asian trading partners rose as the global recovery strengthened and the economic impact of friction with China over a territorial dispute appeared to recede.

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Neighbouring Libya has a longstanding territorial dispute over Niger's north and many in Niamey, including some in the government, accuse Muammar Qaddafi and his regime in Tripoli of backing the revolt.

ECONOMIST: Niger

Every country with a shore in the region is a party to at least one territorial dispute.

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Mr Noda's government is currently grappling with the territorial dispute with China and also trying to win public support for a hike in sales tax aimed at reducing public debt.

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