SDF

Missiles deployed there, meant to target Chinese ships sailing in and out the Western Pacific, are the closest such weapons Japan has to China.

Shifts in the balance of power from the U.S. to China, slowing world growth and increasing income inequality have changed the calculus of war and peace.

The accord is intended to enhance Japan-Britain defense cooperation at a time when security tensions are increasing.

The drills in waters that are closely monitored by Japan were likely intended to check military activities in the same area by the U.S., Japan and others.

The Chinese ships’ passage near Okinawa Prefecture and military exercises in the Pacific are likely intended to check activities in the area by the U.S., Japan and others.

Support among lawmakers for revising the article has gained momentum amid concerns over China pressuring Taiwan.

It is the first entry by a Chinese navy vessel that the Defense Ministry has confirmed and announced since last November.

A top official in Moscow said the country would take "retaliatory measures" if the MSDF and U.S. Navy expanded drills near Russian territory.

The government initially assumed that the aircraft would pick up aid supplies in India, as well as in the UAE, en route to Poland and Romania.

U.S. Marine officers taking part in the drill also may look into preparedness for potential conflicts on remote Japanese islands.

India says it only approved use of a commercial plane to collect the items, while a Japanese official insists a deal to let the military transport land was suddenly withdrawn.

The Japanese government is rushing to deploy SDF missile and coast-monitoring units in the prefecture amid growing tensions around the Senkaku Islands.