Japan's military on Saturday launched its first Marines unit, tasked with defending remote islands in the face of China's growing maritime presence in the region. Current top breaking Philippine headlines regarding the nation, world, metro manila, regions and exclusive special investigative reports.
TOKYO, Japan — Japan's military on Saturday launched its first Marines unit, tasked with defending remote islands in the face of China's growing maritime presence in the region. The Self-Defense Forces' amphibious fighting unit staged an exercise with US Marines at Sasebo in western Japan following the inauguration ceremony. The 2,100-member brigade, based in Sasebo, will be responsible for defending remote islands and retaking them if they are invaded. "Defending remote islands is a pressing task at a time when security surrounding our country is getting more severe," vice defence minister Tomohiro Yamamoto told the ceremony.
