March 6, 2009

Japan weighs shoot down of any North Korean missile headed its way

The Japanese military is considering whether to attempt to shoot down North Korea’s long-range missile if the anticipated Taepdong-2 passes near or over Japanese territory, according to government sources. The Defense Ministry has initiated plans to mobilize the Self-Defense Forces' missile defense system, assembled in close coordination with the U.S. military. (FULL STORY)
U.S. soldiers at the Joint Tactical Ground Station at Misawa Air Base, in northern Japan, on Jan. 22. Itsuo Inouye/AP

Beijing sees 'Anti-China containment' pattern in challenges from Japan, U.S., India

The Chinese Communist Party leadership is girding itself for what Beijing cadres call the revival of an “anti-China containment policy” being spearheaded by the United States and its Asian allies, such as Japan. This is despite the fact that due to a marathon series of visits to Europe, Africa and Latin America by top leaders including President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, Beijing is confident that its geopolitical clout and global influence have risen to new heights.  (FULL STORY)
Former Wash. Gov. (and President Barack Obama's likely pick for U.S. commerce secretary) Gary Locke, left, toasts Chinese President Hu Jintao on April 19, 2006, during Hu's visit to the Seattle area.  AP/Ted S. Warren
Indian admiral warns China's emphasis on Indian Ocean came 'earlier than expected'
Moscow probes military officers said plotting to smuggle anti-sub missiles to China
   
Underground fueling facility at N. Korea missile site evades spy satellites
New fueling capabilities called part of N. Korea deception plans
China seen increasing its leverage over N. Korea in flurry of diplomacy
U.S. notes N. Korea missile movements, no signs of final launch prep

Japan looks to hot summer of stimulus politics / Beijing’s chutzpah on U.S. economic policies and its own / Hu Jintao's great safari / ASEAN’s Down Under
Report: China spent $5 billion for Russian-origin nationwide air defense system
Tokyo-based trading firms suspected of shipping missile-related equipment to N. Korea
U.S. intelligence to focus less on threat, more on areas of possible cooperation with China
North Korea exposes network vulnerabilities

 
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