Japan may open new embassies in six more countries, including in Armenia, in fiscal 2014.

They are the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Republic of the Marshal Islands, the Republic of Namibia, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Armenia and Barbados, the Japan Times reported quoting Kyodo.

It is mentioned that the embassies will open amid China’s growing influence abroad. In particular, Bhutan and the Marshall Islands lack diplomatic ties with China.

“Tokyo is considering a mission in Armenia to gain access to its rich natural resources,” the source says.