(From AFP)
Japan’s hawkish new defense minister singled out North Korean provocations and Chinese use of “force” in territorial disputes on Thursday as she reviewed troops on her first day in the job.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed Tomomi Inada, a close confidante with staunchly nationalist views, on Wednesday just hours after North Korea fired a test missile that landed in Japanese-controlled waters for the first time.
“North Korea is repeating militarily provocative acts such as nuclear testing and a series of ballistic missile launches,” Inada told troops after performing a ceremonial review.
Her appointment also came after Japan sharply criticized China in an annual defense white paper earlier this week, warning its aggressive stance in territorial disputes risks sparking unintended conflict.
“China has rapidly become active in waters and airspace surrounding (Japan) and it continues its attempt to change the status quo through force,” Inada said. Read More