Top Military Officer Says Japanese Patrols In S. China Sea Might Be Considered

Japan's military chief has not ruled out the possibility of joining the U.S. in patrols in the South China Sea, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano, chief of the Joint Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, said in an interview published Thursday that Japan has "very serious potential concerns" over China's reclamation efforts in the region.

Beijing has been rapidly expanding its naval presence and increasing defense spending, said the chief. "Also...