Japan seeks to expand regional defense ties

Japan seeks to expand regional defense ties

Japan is reasserting its military presence across Asia amid rising worries of Chinese aggression and doubts over US commitment to the region’s security. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi — who last year drew Beijing’s ire after saying her country could become involved militarily if Taiwan was attacked by China — visited Australia and Vietnam recently as she looked to bolster security ties. Her defense minister, meanwhile, met with his Indon…