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AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE | PUBLISHED:12
AUG 2011 09:37
TOKYO - Japan's defense minister called
on China on Aug. 12 to explain why it
needs an aircraft carrier, after Beijing
sparked increased concerns over its
military expansion by starting sea trials
for the vessel. "As an aircraft carrier, it is of a highly
maneuverable and offensive nature. We
want China to explain the reasons why
it needs it," Toshimi Kitazawa told
reporters. "There is no doubt that it will have a big
impact on the region," he added. China put the revamped Soviet-built
aircraft carrier Varyag to sea on Aug.
10, prompting the United States to call
for an explanation. Beijing has sought to play down the
vessel's capability, saying it will mainly
be used for training and "research." In its annual defense report last week,
Japan expressed concern over China's growing assertiveness and widening
naval reach in nearby waters and the Pacific and over what it called the "opaqueness" of Beijing's military budget. China criticized the report as "irresponsible," insisting its drive to
modernize its forces was entirely
defensive.
AUG 2011 09:37
TOKYO - Japan's defense minister called
on China on Aug. 12 to explain why it
needs an aircraft carrier, after Beijing
sparked increased concerns over its
military expansion by starting sea trials
for the vessel. "As an aircraft carrier, it is of a highly
maneuverable and offensive nature. We
want China to explain the reasons why
it needs it," Toshimi Kitazawa told
reporters. "There is no doubt that it will have a big
impact on the region," he added. China put the revamped Soviet-built
aircraft carrier Varyag to sea on Aug.
10, prompting the United States to call
for an explanation. Beijing has sought to play down the
vessel's capability, saying it will mainly
be used for training and "research." In its annual defense report last week,
Japan expressed concern over China's growing assertiveness and widening
naval reach in nearby waters and the Pacific and over what it called the "opaqueness" of Beijing's military budget. China criticized the report as "irresponsible," insisting its drive to
modernize its forces was entirely
defensive.