TOKYO, Japan: Japan is in the final stages of negotiations with the U.S. to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of more than 620 miles, placing China and the Russian Far East within striking range, according to the Yomiuri daily.
In response to Beijing’s rapid military modernization and increased activity in nearby waters, Tokyo is seeking its largest arms buildup since World War Two.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has not commented on the reports, but said he was aware of them.
“The government is considering about counterattack capabilities, but no specifics have been decided,” he added.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, concerns about Chinese military activity around Taiwan and Japan has intensified.
Angered by the visit of U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August, China responded by firing missiles into waters less than 100 miles from Japan.