Following an inspection of a Hawaiian test complex, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Wednesday that Japan hopes to bolster the capability of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system that it plans to introduce in fiscal 2023.

"We would like to develop (the system) into a basic infrastructure that will be helpful in comprehensive missile defense and can (intercept) cruise and other kinds of missiles," he told reporters after visiting the facility on the island of Kauai.

The Japanese government is looking to strengthen its missile defense system amid the growing North Korean threat. Onodera's remarks on cruise missiles apparently reflected Tokyo's wariness over China, which possesses many long-range cruise missiles.