Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing with a solemn peace ceremony, reaffirming its commitment to its long-standing non-nuclear principles. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. The commemoration comes as Japan simultaneously undertakes its largest defense buildup since World War II in response to growing security concerns posed by China and North Korea, highlighting the country's delicate balance between peace and national security.

August 6, 1945: Around 140,000 People Perished in Hiroshima Bombing

Japan has marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirming the country's commitment to its long-standing non-nuclear principles.

Thousands gathered at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to honor the victims of the world's first atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. During the ceremony, Japan pledged to continue supporting global nuclear disarmament while maintaining its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The commemoration comes as Japan undertakes its largest military buildup since World War II, citing growing regional security challenges from China, North Korea, and closer Russia-China-North Korea cooperation. The country recently conducted its first live-fire test of a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile, highlighting its expanding conventional defense capabilities.

Japan Honors Hiroshima Victims While Expanding Military Capabilities | Hiroshima Anniversary

The US State Department has approved a possible sale of Aegis Class Destroyer Support and related equipment to Japan, the Pentagon said Tuesday.


US State Department Approves $100 Million Military Sale to Japan 

Japan has signed a deal with the United States to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its ongoing military buildup in response to increased regional threats.

Japan signs deal with US to buy 400 Tomahawk missiles

Three former Japanese soldiers were declared guilty by a court on Tuesday (Dec 12) for sexually assaulting a female colleague, bringing an end to a years-long saga that dominated headlines in a conservative country where victims hardly speak out against abuse.

Shutaro Shibuya, Akito Sekine, and Yusuke Kimezawa were given two-year suspended jail terms for their “forced indecency” on Rina Gonoi during a military drill in 2021.

The matter came to&nbsp;light last year when 24-year-old Gonoi took to YouTube to share her ordeal after the higher military officials dismissed the case citing a lack of evidence following a probe.

The video gained massive traction on several social media networks, spurring national outcry to punish the soldiers.

However, it was an online petition signed by more than 100,000 people that forced the defence ministry to finally acknowledge the assault, issue an apology,&nbsp;and dismiss five of the men involved.

<h2>Assailants charged with 'forced indecency'&nbsp;</h2>

In March this year, prosecutors reversed an earlier decision and charged three of the assailants with “forced indecency”.

Gonoi, who was present in court for the verdict, said her decision to go public was “desperate rather than brave”.

She said she used to experience harassment daily after joining Japan’s military in 2020.

“When walking down the hallway, someone slaps you on your hip, or holds you from behind,” she told AFP news agency.

“I was kissed on the cheek, and my breasts were grabbed.”

However, it was during a drill in 2021 that the scale of harassment reached another level.

<h2>Victim seeks damages&nbsp;</h2>

She said that three fellow soldiers forced her to the ground, pulled apart her legs and each repeatedly pressed their crotches against her while others watched and laughed.

Gonoi has also filed a damage suit against the three defendants, two other perpetrators and the government, saying she felt their earlier apologies were insincere.

She is seeking 5.5 million yen ($37,800) from the perpetrators and 2 million yen ($13,740) from the government, saying it failed to prevent the assaults, properly investigate or respond appropriately.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-what-is-the-japanese-fundraising-scandal-that-has-engulfed-kishida-govt-668796">Explained: What is the Japanese fundraising scandal that has engulfed Fumio Kishida govt?</a>

The case marks a turning point in Japan’s history of dealing with sexual misconduct complaints, where even the “MeToo” movement did not gain traction.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-imf-official-warns-fragmentation-in-global-economy-could-trigger-new-cold-war-668686">Senior IMF official warns fragmentation in global economy could trigger 'new Cold War'</a>

Sexual abuse complaints are often disregarded in Japan, and victims also tend to face hate for speaking up.

Gonoi said she has been attacked on social media for coming forward, but that she did so because she wanted to prevent similar problems for other female service members.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three former Japanese soldiers were declared guilty by a court on Tuesday (Dec 12) for sexually assaulting a female colleague, bringing an end to a years-long saga that dominated headlines in a conservative country where victims hardly speak out against abuse.

Three former Japanese soldiers were declared guilty by a court on Tuesday (Dec 12) for sexually assaulting a female colleague, bringing an end to a years-long saga that dominated headlines in a conservative country where victims hardly speak out against abuse. Shutaro Shibuya, Akito Sekine, and Yusuke Kimezawa were given two-year suspended jail terms for their “forced indecency” on Rina Gonoi during a military drill in 2021. The matter came to light last year when 24-year-old Gonoi took to YouTube to share her ordeal after the higher military officials dismissed the case citing a lack of evidence following a probe. The video gained massive traction on several social media networks, spurring national outcry to punish the soldiers. However, it was an online petition signed by more than 100,000 people that forced the defence ministry to finally acknowledge the assault, issue an apology, and dismiss five of the men involved. Assailants charged with 'forced indecency' In March this year, prosecutors reversed an earlier decision and charged three of the assailants with “forced indecency”. Gonoi, who was present in court for the verdict, said her decision to go public was “desperate rather than brave”. She said she used to experience harassment daily after joining Japan’s military in 2020. “When walking down the hallway, someone slaps you on your hip, or holds you from behind,” she told AFP news agency. “I was kissed on the cheek, and my breasts were grabbed.” However, it was during a drill in 2021 that the scale of harassment reached another level. Victim seeks damages She said that three fellow soldiers forced her to the ground, pulled apart her legs and each repeatedly pressed their crotches against her while others watched and laughed. Gonoi has also filed a damage suit against the three defendants, two other perpetrators and the government, saying she felt their earlier apologies were insincere. She is seeking 5.5 million yen ($37,800) from the perpetrators and 2 million yen ($13,740) from the government, saying it failed to prevent the assaults, properly investigate or respond appropriately. Also read | Explained: What is the Japanese fundraising scandal that has engulfed Fumio Kishida govt? The case marks a turning point in Japan’s history of dealing with sexual misconduct complaints, where even the “MeToo” movement did not gain traction. Also read | Senior IMF official warns fragmentation in global economy could trigger 'new Cold War' Sexual abuse complaints are often disregarded in Japan, and victims also tend to face hate for speaking up. Gonoi said she has been attacked on social media for coming forward, but that she did so because she wanted to prevent similar problems for other female service members. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan court jails three ex-soldiers for sexual abuse of female colleague

Reports say the Japanese military is hiding thousands of sexual harassment cases and victims are too afraid to report the incidents. Is the Japanese military's image stained? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Sexual harassment cases mount on the Japanese military

A handful of Japanese men have joined Ukrainians battling the Russian invasion, defying their government's warnings and bucking a decades-long national principle of pacifism. Japan's military is constitutionally limited to defence and has not fought since World War II. Many of the foreign fighters who have flocked to Ukraine from other countries come with military and combat experience. However, Japan's unique constitutional constraints mean its volunteers start as absolute novices. Ukraine's embassy in Tokyo initially called for volunteers to join the fight, echoing an invitation by Zelensky for foreign support, but quickly retracted it. Japan's government, like those elsewhere, has warned its citizens against travel to Ukraine. A small determined group has ignored that advice.

Japanese men join Ukrainians battling Russian invasion | Japan's military hasn't fought since WW-II

The Japanese government is considering putting off a tax increase that was supposed to fund the nation's defence spending. Speaking to Reuters, a "party source" on Monday revealed that the tax increase may be put off by a year to 2025.

In December, the coalition government agreed to raise some key taxes to fund the raising of the defence budget. However, stiff opposition fro.m lawmakers has reportedly delayed the decision regarding the implementation of the widely unpopular move.&nbsp;

<h2>Japan's defence budget increase</h2>

The tax increase plan follows through on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commitment to raising taxes to double the nation's defence, spending to two per cent of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) by the year 2027.

This two per cent target, as per the Japan Times, will put the nation at par with other NATO nations.

Kishida's administration approved the move back in December of last year. As per them, a tax hike it will be put into motion "at an appropriate time" in 2024, or thereafter.

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However, speaking to Reuters, the source said that the Kishida government's upcoming long-term policy framework which is expected to be released this week, will include information about the delay. It is expected to include language that allows for a delay in the implementation of tax hikes until 2025 or later. Previously, the Kyodo news agency had published a similar report.

<h2>Problems Kishida administration faces in the implementation of the tax hike</h2>

The plan which ultimately aims to increase the nation's defence spending has, as per Reuters, become bogged down in wrangling among lawmakers who objected to near-term tax increases. They oppose that the tax hike could hurt Japan's fragile economy.

As per Reuters, Japan is already struggling to secure funding sources for a planned defence spending of 43 trillion yen ($309 billion) over the next five years. This can potentially further complicate the nation's aim of balancing the budget - excluding new bond sales and debt servicing - by the fiscal year 2025.

<h2>People's opinion of the tax hike</h2>

In December of last year, following news of the tax hike, support for Kishida's Cabinet was 33.1 per cent, the lowest since its launch in 2021. The disapproval rate stood at 51.5 per cent.

A poll conducted by Japan's Kyodo News found that 64.9 per cent of the Japanese disapprove of the tax hike plan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-citizens-oppose-government-plans-to-increase-taxes-to-fund-320-billion-military-expansion-544216">Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion</a>

Now, a delay in the implementation is expected to highlight the challenges faced by Kishida. The leader, according to Reuters, is juggling the conflicting priorities of restoring Japan's tattered public finances and addressing geopolitical risks from an 'assertive' China and an 'unpredictable' North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Japanese government is considering putting off a tax increase that was supposed to fund the nation's defence spending. Speaking to Reuters, a "party source" on Monday revealed that the tax increase may be put off by a year to 2025.

The Japanese government is considering putting off a tax increase that was supposed to fund the nation's defence spending. Speaking to Reuters, a "party source" on Monday revealed that the tax increase may be put off by a year to 2025. In December, the coalition government agreed to raise some key taxes to fund the raising of the defence budget. However, stiff opposition fro.m lawmakers has reportedly delayed the decision regarding the implementation of the widely unpopular move. Japan's defence budget increase The tax increase plan follows through on Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commitment to raising taxes to double the nation's defence, spending to two per cent of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) by the year 2027. This two per cent target, as per the Japan Times, will put the nation at par with other NATO nations. Kishida's administration approved the move back in December of last year. As per them, a tax hike it will be put into motion "at an appropriate time" in 2024, or thereafter. Also read | Strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude jolts Japan's Hokkaido However, speaking to Reuters, the source said that the Kishida government's upcoming long-term policy framework which is expected to be released this week, will include information about the delay. It is expected to include language that allows for a delay in the implementation of tax hikes until 2025 or later. Previously, the Kyodo news agency had published a similar report. Problems Kishida administration faces in the implementation of the tax hike The plan which ultimately aims to increase the nation's defence spending has, as per Reuters, become bogged down in wrangling among lawmakers who objected to near-term tax increases. They oppose that the tax hike could hurt Japan's fragile economy. As per Reuters, Japan is already struggling to secure funding sources for a planned defence spending of 43 trillion yen ($309 billion) over the next five years. This can potentially further complicate the nation's aim of balancing the budget - excluding new bond sales and debt servicing - by the fiscal year 2025. People's opinion of the tax hike In December of last year, following news of the tax hike, support for Kishida's Cabinet was 33.1 per cent, the lowest since its launch in 2021. The disapproval rate stood at 51.5 per cent. A poll conducted by Japan's Kyodo News found that 64.9 per cent of the Japanese disapprove of the tax hike plan. Also read | Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion Now, a delay in the implementation is expected to highlight the challenges faced by Kishida. The leader, according to Reuters, is juggling the conflicting priorities of restoring Japan's tattered public finances and addressing geopolitical risks from an 'assertive' China and an 'unpredictable' North Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan to contemplate pushing back defence spending tax hike to 2025 or beyond

The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision. 
 
The plan is part of a $320 billion military spending announced by Japan. On Friday, the nation announced that it will buy missiles that are capable of striking China.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan

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Kishida government's five-year plan will make Japan the world's third biggest military spender after the US and China. 
 
The goal is to ready Japan for any sustained battle as conflicts rage in the neighbourhood, like the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Tokyo's western neighbour, China's claim over Taiwan and the unprecedented number of missile tests by North Korea, stoke fears of war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-government-approves-major-defence-overhaul-says-china-poses-greatest-strategic-threat-543682">Japan approves $320 billion defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat'</a>

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the tax hike by his government would not come into force in the coming financial year.&nbsp;

While the tax hike would not begin on April 1, his government will raise taxes in stages towards fiscal 2027 to secure the funding the nation needs to boost its defence budget.

Kishida said that Japan was at a "turning point in history" and that the military expansion through cost-cutting and tax hikes was his "answer to the various security challenges that we face".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-threats-from-china-north-korea-japan-set-to-radically-overhaul-defence-policy-542945">Amid threats from China &amp; North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy</a>

However, the Kyodo survey found that around 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the proposed tax increases for military spending, and about 87 per cent thought that the PM's reasoning for the tax increases was not good enough.

The poll also revealed that support for Kishida's government was at 33.1 per cent, the lowest level it has been at since the beginning of October last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision.

The majority of Japanese citizens are against the government raising taxes to fund the nation's military expansion. On Sunday, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that as per its survey, more than 60 per cent of the people are against the decision. The plan is part of a $320 billion military spending announced by Japan. On Friday, the nation announced that it will buy missiles that are capable of striking China. Watch | Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan Kishida government's five-year plan will make Japan the world's third biggest military spender after the US and China. The goal is to ready Japan for any sustained battle as conflicts rage in the neighbourhood, like the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Tokyo's western neighbour, China's claim over Taiwan and the unprecedented number of missile tests by North Korea, stoke fears of war. Also read | Japan approves $320 billion defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat' Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the tax hike by his government would not come into force in the coming financial year. While the tax hike would not begin on April 1, his government will raise taxes in stages towards fiscal 2027 to secure the funding the nation needs to boost its defence budget. Kishida said that Japan was at a "turning point in history" and that the military expansion through cost-cutting and tax hikes was his "answer to the various security challenges that we face". Also read | Amid threats from China & North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy However, the Kyodo survey found that around 65 per cent of those surveyed were against the proposed tax increases for military spending, and about 87 per cent thought that the PM's reasoning for the tax increases was not good enough. The poll also revealed that support for Kishida's government was at 33.1 per cent, the lowest level it has been at since the beginning of October last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.

Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea.

The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1.

Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval.

However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size.

Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region.

Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers.

The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases.

The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China. Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea. The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1. Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval. However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size. Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region. Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers. The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases. The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.

Japan's defence ministry seeks fresh hike in military spending

Japan is reinforcing its military might to counter China's growing military expansionism. The Japanese Ministry of Defence is set to get a record $51.7 billion budget next year. Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the budget allocations.

Gravitas: Decoding Japan's $51.7 billion defence budget

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China`s growing military power. 
 
The Ministry of Defense will get a record 5.34 trillion yen ($51.7 billion) for the year starting in April, up 1.1% from this year. With Suga`s large majority in parliament, enactment of the budget is all but certain. 
 
Suga is continuing the controversial military expansion pursued by his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, to give Japan`s forces new planes, missiles and aircraft carriers with greater range and potency against potential foes including neighbouring China. 
 
China plans to raise its military spending 6.6% this year, the smallest increase in three decades. 
 
Japan is buying longer-range missiles and considering arming and training its military to strike distant land targets in China, North Korea and other parts of Asia. 
 
A planned jet fighter, the first in three decades, is expected to cost around $40 billion and be ready in the 2030s. That project, which will be led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd with help from Lockheed Martin Corp, gets $706 million in the new budget. 
 
Japan will spend $323 million to begin development of a long-range anti-ship missile to defend its southwestern Okinawan island chain. 
 
Other big purchases include $628 million for six Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters, including two short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) B variants that will operate off a converted helicopter carrier. 
 
The military will also get $912 million to build two compact warships that can operate with fewer sailors than conventional destroyers, easing pressure on a navy struggling to find recruits in an ageing population. 
 
Japan also wants two new warships to carry powerful new Aegis air and ballistic missile defence radars that have much as three times the range of older models. The government has not yet estimated the cost of the plan, which replaces a project cancelled in June to construct two ground Aegis Ashore stations.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China`s growing military power.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China`s growing military power. The Ministry of Defense will get a record 5.34 trillion yen ($51.7 billion) for the year starting in April, up 1.1% from this year. With Suga`s large majority in parliament, enactment of the budget is all but certain. Suga is continuing the controversial military expansion pursued by his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, to give Japan`s forces new planes, missiles and aircraft carriers with greater range and potency against potential foes including neighbouring China. China plans to raise its military spending 6.6% this year, the smallest increase in three decades. Japan is buying longer-range missiles and considering arming and training its military to strike distant land targets in China, North Korea and other parts of Asia. A planned jet fighter, the first in three decades, is expected to cost around $40 billion and be ready in the 2030s. That project, which will be led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd with help from Lockheed Martin Corp, gets $706 million in the new budget. Japan will spend $323 million to begin development of a long-range anti-ship missile to defend its southwestern Okinawan island chain. Other big purchases include $628 million for six Lockheed F-35 stealth fighters, including two short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) B variants that will operate off a converted helicopter carrier. The military will also get $912 million to build two compact warships that can operate with fewer sailors than conventional destroyers, easing pressure on a navy struggling to find recruits in an ageing population. Japan also wants two new warships to carry powerful new Aegis air and ballistic missile defence radars that have much as three times the range of older models. The government has not yet estimated the cost of the plan, which replaces a project cancelled in June to construct two ground Aegis Ashore stations.

Japan sets record $52 billion military budget to counter China's growing military power

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a ninth consecutive rise in military spending on Monday, funding the development of an advanced stealth fighter and longer-range anti-ship missile to counter China's growing military power.

Japan sets record $52 bln military budget with stealth jets, long-range missiles

The world is fighting a war against a deadly virus. It is a common enemy. But that doesn't mean old foes are forgotten. Also read: Global coronavirus: Cases, death-toll and hotspots!

The world is fighting a war against a deadly virus. It is a common enemy. But that doesn't mean old foes are forgotten. Also read: Global coronavirus: Cases, death-toll and hotspots! Even in a pandemic, militaries around the world don't miss the change to flex their muscle. The South China sea remains a battleground. Japan is prepping to safeguard its turf with a hypersonic missile. It travels faster than five times the speed of sound and has been described as a game-changer. Also read: COVID-19: Intelligence dossier says China's secrecy amounts to a cover-up Reports say Japan plans to deploy it by 2026. The missile is being viewed as a direct threat to the Chinese navy in the South China sea. Meanwhile, the US air force has sent B-1 bombers back to the Pacific island of Guam. It is being called a temporary deployment and comes just a few weeks after the bombers were pulled back. For the first time in 16 years, the United States air force had no heavy bombers on Guam. US pacific air forces have announced that four of the B-1s had arrived at the Andersen air force base on Guam. The forces said the bombers will carry out "strategic deterrence missions" in the Indo-Pacific region. This is part of a plan to move the massive warplanes to spots around the world. Why? To send out a message of "operational unpredictability''. In other words, to keep the enemy guessing. How long the bombers will be stationed on Guam has not been specified. But as with most strategic moves. The timing here is crucial. Just last week, Beijing announced it had 'expelled' a US guided-missile destroyer out of the South China sea. Tensions have been escalating. It's not just the South China Sea dispute. This military posturing also comes amid the raging blame game between the United States and China. They are bombarding each other with accusations and threats over the pandemic. There's a war of narratives and military posturing. Old conflicts-- that the Wuhan virus--- has failed to lockdown.

Despite coronavirus! Japan, US flex their military muscle in South China sea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-and-south-korea-should-reunite-say-70-seoul-citizens-270181">South Korea</a>'s Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse.

The ruling is expected to have little impact on the 2015 agreement as it has been effectively abandoned by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has called it seriously flawed and inadequate to resolve the issue that has been for many years a source of rancour between the neighbours.

Constitutional Court President Yoo Nam-Seok said the agreement was a political one that tried to resolve the comfort women issue and, unlike a treaty between two countries, did not create legal responsibilities on the part of the governments.

Comfort women is a euphemism for the thousands of girls and women, most of them Korean, who were forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two when Japan occupied Korea.

"It cannot be said that the rights of the victims of the Japanese military were infringed upon by this agreement," Yoo said in the court's ruling.

Bitterness over Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula is a major influence on their relations and has been at the heart of rancour this year that has seen their ties plunge to their worst in decades.

The 2015 agreement, reached by Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-Hye, and Japanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-meets-japans-abe-in-beijing-calls-for-advancing-bilateral-ties-269799">Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a>, was welcomed by the United States at the time as an important step towards reconciliation.

But surviving comfort women saw it as unjust and the constitutional petition was brought by 29 of them, and 12 of their families.

They argued that it violated their rights as they were not consulted when the governments agreed to close the matter as "irreversibly resolved" with an apology by Japan and a 1 billion yen&nbsp;fund to compensate the women.

"This could have been an opportunity to address their pain," said Rhee Dong-Joon, a lawyer representing the women.

"It is disappointing that the Constitutional Court failed to bring closure to their hurting.”

The ruling comes after Moon and Abe held talks for the first time in 15 months on Tuesday and stressed the need to improve ties, after the worst period of tension between the countries in decades when South Korean anger over Japans' wartime behaviour spilt into the trade arena.

Last week, Japan partially eased curbs put in place in July on the export of key high-tech material to South Korea. The trade restrictions were followed by the two countries removing each other from their list of favoured trade partners.

No one knows how many Koreans were forced to work in Japan's military brothels.

South Korean activists say there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims, only a few of whom have ever told of the abuse they endured at the hands of Japanese forces.

Since the early 1990s, nearly 250 women came forward to talk about their experiences. Only 20 of them survive.

South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse.

South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed on Friday an appeal by a group of women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels to strike down an agreement signed by the two countries to settle claims over the abuse. The ruling is expected to have little impact on the 2015 agreement as it has been effectively abandoned by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has called it seriously flawed and inadequate to resolve the issue that has been for many years a source of rancour between the neighbours. Constitutional Court President Yoo Nam-Seok said the agreement was a political one that tried to resolve the comfort women issue and, unlike a treaty between two countries, did not create legal responsibilities on the part of the governments. Comfort women is a euphemism for the thousands of girls and women, most of them Korean, who were forced to work in Japan's brothels before and during World War Two when Japan occupied Korea. "It cannot be said that the rights of the victims of the Japanese military were infringed upon by this agreement," Yoo said in the court's ruling. Bitterness over Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula is a major influence on their relations and has been at the heart of rancour this year that has seen their ties plunge to their worst in decades. The 2015 agreement, reached by Moon's conservative predecessor, Park Geun-Hye, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was welcomed by the United States at the time as an important step towards reconciliation. But surviving comfort women saw it as unjust and the constitutional petition was brought by 29 of them, and 12 of their families. They argued that it violated their rights as they were not consulted when the governments agreed to close the matter as "irreversibly resolved" with an apology by Japan and a 1 billion yen fund to compensate the women. "This could have been an opportunity to address their pain," said Rhee Dong-Joon, a lawyer representing the women. "It is disappointing that the Constitutional Court failed to bring closure to their hurting.” The ruling comes after Moon and Abe held talks for the first time in 15 months on Tuesday and stressed the need to improve ties, after the worst period of tension between the countries in decades when South Korean anger over Japans' wartime behaviour spilt into the trade arena. Last week, Japan partially eased curbs put in place in July on the export of key high-tech material to South Korea. The trade restrictions were followed by the two countries removing each other from their list of favoured trade partners. No one knows how many Koreans were forced to work in Japan's military brothels. South Korean activists say there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims, only a few of whom have ever told of the abuse they endured at the hands of Japanese forces. Since the early 1990s, nearly 250 women came forward to talk about their experiences. Only 20 of them survive.

South Korea’s top court dismisses 'comfort women' petition against deal with Japan

Japan will send a military vessel and two patrol planes to help protect waterways in the Middle East but will not join a US-led coalition in the region. #WION #Japan #JapanMilitary #JapanOilVessel

Japan to send warship, planes to Middle East to protect oil vessels

Japan&#39;s military is on alert for a possible North Korean ballistic missile launch, a government source said on Tuesday, with media reporting that its navy and anti-missile Patriot batteries have been told to shoot down any projectile heading for Japan. 
 
North Korea appears to have moved an intermediate-range missile to its east coast, but there are no signs of an imminent launch, South Korea&#39;s Yonhap news reported, citing an unnamed government source. South Korea&#39;s defense ministry did not have an immediate comment. 
 
Tension in the region has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles, including one in May. 
 
The Japanese government source said there were signs North Korea might be preparing a launch of the intermediate-range Musudan missile, the same missile it attempted to launch in May, prompting the order for the military to go on alert. 
 
The May launch, which took place a day after Japan put its military on alert, failed. North Korea tried unsuccessfully to test launch the Musudan three other times in April, according to US and South Korean officials. 
 
Japan has put its anti-ballistic missile forces on alert several times this year after detecting signs of launches by North Korea. 
(Reuters)

Japan's navy and anti-missile Patriot batteries have been ordered to shoot down any projectile heading for Japan

Japan's military is on alert for a possible North Korean ballistic missile launch, a government source said on Tuesday, with media reporting that its navy and anti-missile Patriot batteries have been told to shoot down any projectile heading for Japan. North Korea appears to have moved an intermediate-range missile to its east coast, but there are no signs of an imminent launch, South Korea's Yonhap news reported, citing an unnamed government source. South Korea's defense ministry did not have an immediate comment. Tension in the region has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles, including one in May. The Japanese government source said there were signs North Korea might be preparing a launch of the intermediate-range Musudan missile, the same missile it attempted to launch in May, prompting the order for the military to go on alert. The May launch, which took place a day after Japan put its military on alert, failed. North Korea tried unsuccessfully to test launch the Musudan three other times in April, according to US and South Korean officials. Japan has put its anti-ballistic missile forces on alert several times this year after detecting signs of launches by North Korea. (Reuters)

Japan military on alert for possible North Korean ballistic missile launch

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