
National May 10, 2022
by Jesse Johnson
Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said the operations had taken place in waters southwest of Okinawa Prefecture’s Okidaito and Ishigaki islands — the closest to Japan to date.
Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said the operations had taken place in waters southwest of Okinawa Prefecture’s Okidaito and Ishigaki islands — the closest to Japan to date.
Japan and U.S. to deepen ties to deter use of force in Indo-Pacific
At the outset of talks in the U.S., Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Russia's war is "a serious challenge" and raised concern over any use of force in the Indo-Pacific.
U.S. and Japan defense chiefs to meet Wednesday to discuss Ukraine war and China
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is generating renewed awareness in Japan of the need for deterrence and enhanced readiness against any possible attempt to change the status quo in the region.
LDP proposal heralds big changes for Japan's security policies
Touting need to break precedent, the ruling party has recommended that Japan acquire "counterattack capabilities" and boost defense spending to 2% of GDP within five years.
Japan defense minister eyes U.S. trip in early May amid Ukraine war
Kishi is expected to also discuss how to deal with North Korea's missile launches and affirm with Austin the importance of enhancing their bilateral alliance as a deterrent against China.
Japan to send protective suits, masks and drones to Ukraine
The decision to provide the defense equipment to Ukraine comes after reports of a possible Russian chemical weapons attack on the besieged city of Mariupol last week.
Russia-Ukraine crisis far away for most in Japan, but not in Hokkaido
More visible demonstrations of Moscow's military power on and around Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands off Hokkaido are generating concerns among residents.
After their first "two-plus-two" talks, the nations objected to "unlawful maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities and threat or use of force in the South China Sea."
Japan and Philippines to hold first 'two-plus-two' security talks on Saturday
The talks are aimed at enhancing cooperation in countering China's increasing maritime assertiveness in the South and East China seas.
Japan defense chief looks to 'drastically' boost defense capabilities
Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said his ministry will go ahead with discussions on a controversial plan that would allow Japan to acquire so-called enemy base strike capabilities.
Japan and U.S. hold F-35 stealth fighter joint drill for first time
The Air Self-Defense Force said Tuesday it conducted its first joint exercise with the U.S. Air Force involving their respective F-35A advanced stealth fighter jets. The drill over the Sea of Japan off northeastern Japan last Thursday marked "a major milestone in the improvement of ...
How Russia quietly built up its military presence in Asia
Japan and its neighbors are pondering what further cooperation between Russia and China could mean for the region.