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Japan says it aims to erect a missile defence shield as quickly as possible, to counter the threat from North Korea.In its annual report, the defence ministry warns that Pyongyang is now producing sophisticated weapons.It also says that one of the prime objectives of the Japanese military is to conduct peacekeeping missions.While many people in Japan welcome attempts to increase its international role, others fear a more assertive Japan may trigger a regional arms race.Japan was shocked when North Korea tested a nuclear weapon last autumn, according to the BBC's correspondent in Tokyo, Chris Hogg.The fact that Pyongyang has test-fired several short-range ballistic missiles in the past month has only increased concern, our correspondent says.One US expert described these tests as successful launches of an advanced weapon.So in its annual report, Japan's defence ministry is clear about the need to complete the country's missile defence shield without delay."North Korea is improving its capability of managing ballistic missiles.It is considered that North Korea is trying to further extend their firing range," the document says."It is necessary to finish deploying a ballistic missile defence as quickly as possible."Mobile surface-to-air missile batteries were delivered to bases near Tokyo in March, and the US installed Japan's first anti-missile system on the southern island of Okinawa last year.Japan's first ship equipped with ballistic missile interceptors will come into service before the end of 2007. To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah...
