Japan won’t rule out counter-attack capabilities to strengthen defense, minister says

FILE PHOTO: Japan’s Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada arrives at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official residence in Tokyo, Japan August 10, 2022. REUTERS/Issei Kato

TOKYO — Japan won’t rule out any options, including counter-attack capabilities, as it looks to strengthen its defenses in the face of repeated missile launches from North Korea, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said on Tuesday.

“In light of this situation, we will continue to examine all options – including so-called ‘counterattack capabilities’ and not rule out anything as we continue to work to fundamentally strengthen our defence abilities,” Hamada told a briefing.

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