Japan and US to unveil defence deal

 

Japan and the US are expected to unveil new guidelines on their defence co-operation as Japanese leader Shinzo Abe visits the US for talks.

The guidelines are expected to clarify US support for Japan in any Asian conflict and bolster Mr Abe's attempt to strengthen Japan's military muscle.
Japan's pacifist constitution currently allows only for self-defence, but Mr Abe has called for a re-interpretation.
Any change is likely to seriously alarm Japan's East Asian neighbours.
Mr Abe was set to visit the site of the 2013 Boston marathon bombing on Monday before travelling to Washington ahead of talks on Tuesday with President Barack Obama.


But before this meeting, the new defence guidelines are expected to be released as part of talks between US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani.
The current guidelines focus on the defence of Japan, and on "situations in areas surrounding Japan", which is interpreted as any possible conflict on a nuclearised Korean peninsula.