With fiscal constraints putting pressure on official development assistance, the nation will focus more on peace-building and postconflict reconstruction, according to an annual ODA white paper endorsed by the Cabinet on Tuesday.

"It is necessary to implement ODA in an effective and transparent manner, as well as in a way that will gain public understanding and support," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda, acting foreign minister in place of Yoriko Kawaguchi, said in presenting the white paper to the Cabinet.

Kawaguchi returned from a trip to China later in the day.