Japan is closely watching Russian military developments in the Far East, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said Wednesday, a day after it was reported that Moscow plans to deploy antiship cruise missiles near Hokkaido.
Edano said at a news conference the government believes it is important for the two countries to foster communications and avoid an unnecessary arms race in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Our country is keeping a close watch on Russia's military trends in the Far East," he said.