Wary of the China threat, Japan bolsters defences of its south-west island chain

Last month, Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and five escort vessels passed through the Miyako Strait. PHOTO: REUTERS
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TOKYO - Japan is building up its defences on its south-west islands with an eye on the growing China threat, which has also prompted the country's European security partners to more actively take part in joint drills.

Tokyo's main concern, besides the Senkaku/Diaoyu islets in the East China Sea that are the subject of an acrimonious territorial dispute, is Taiwan.

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