The white paper titled "Defence of Japan 2006" released today notes the increased presence of India in the international community and gives an enhanced description of India's diplomatic policies, including the reinforcement of the country's relations with the US.
It says Japan will emphasise promoting defense exchanges with India. The report devotes a full chapter to its security ties with the United States and reiterates Japan's concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile development as well as China's growing defence spending.
Compiled by the Defence Agency, the document explains a bill submitted to the Diet (Japanese Parliament) aimed at upgrading the agency to a ministry and a related plan to add international peace cooperation activities to the primary missions of the Self- Defence Forces.
The defence white paper is subtitled "For Assured Security Toward the Future" to show the intention of the Defence Agency and SDF to contribute further to the safety of Japan and the stability of the international community, an agency official said.
The Cabinet on Tuesday endorsed the white paper, which was presented by Defence agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga, Kyodo news agency reported.
