Japan military 'needs marines and drones'

Japan should bolster its marine
force and introduce surveillance
drones, a defence review paper
says, highlighting concerns over
China and North Korea. The paper also called for better defences against missile attacks and the potential to attack enemy bases. Japan's military is constitutionally limited to a self-defence role. But PM Shinzo Abe is looking to expand the scope of its activities - potentially a highly controversial move that would anger its neighbours. Japan is embroiled in a bitter row over islands with China and is deeply
concerned by North Korea's nuclear ambitions. The interim report is part of a defence review ordered by Mr Abe, with final proposals due by December. On Sunday, Mr Abe won back control of Japan's Upper House, meaning he now controls parliament and would be in a stronger position to reshape Japan's current defence strategy.