Japan to develop missile amid mounting tensions with China

Amid increasing tensions with China over the disputed remote southern islands, reports suggest that Japan will develop a new land-to-sea missile in a bid to step up its defence in the disputed region.

Both South Asian countries have been experiencing dispute over the uninhabited islets known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. Japan's move comes in wake of protests by the Foreign Ministry officials over what they called intrusions by Beijing in the territorial and contiguous waters of the rocky islands, reports the Guardian.

Reports suggest that Tokyo plans to deploy the weapon, whose range will cover the disputed island chain. The deployment is expected by 2023. The Defence Ministry officials have, however, not confirmed the report so far.