Defense institute seeks integrated efforts with U.S.

Amid the changing security situation in East Asia, Japan should be equipped with more flexible and integrated defense capabilities and enhanced coordination among the Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard and the U.S. military, according to the 2013 East Asian Strategic Review released Friday.

The annual report, published by the National Institute for Defense Studies Japan, emphasizes that the National Defense Program Guidelines set in 2010 should be revised to address security conditions in East Asia made more volatile by North Korea's aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons and China's military modernization.

The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has already said it will review the 2010 guidelines and abolish another midterm defense guideline for fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2015.