But this would mean losing out on subscriptions from Sky users - and Sky could move its channels to a less favourable position on its electronic programme guide.

BBC: Sky and MTV in cash row

"Japan also hopes to win over Asean in order to keep pace together against China on the East China Sea and South China Sea issues and occupy a favourable position in terms of building a political and security structure in Asia-Pacific in future, " it said.

BBC: Japan PM Shinzo Abe begins South East Asia push in Vietnam

Given the UK's more favourable economic position, "any eventual slowdown here will be less severe than in the US", said Jonathan Loynes at Capital Economics.

BBC: Should UK rates be cut?

President Kuchma's opponents allege that he has used his position to project a favourable image of himself and undermine his opponents on state television, particularly the first programme.

BBC: Violence, mud-slinging mar Ukraine election campaign