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                 US to Send More Missile Defense Ships to Japan

   The head of the U.S. Defense Department says Washington plans to send
   two more missile defense warships to Japan to counter the threat posed
   by North Korea`s actions.
   Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told a news conference in Tokyo Sunday
   after meeting with his Japanese counterpart (, Defense Minister
   Itsunori Onodera,) that two AEGIS missile defense ships will be sent to
   Japan by 2017, bolstering the U.S. missile defense force to seven
   ships.
   The announcement came as North Korea once again ratcheted up tensions
   with its neighbors by continuing to threaten additional missile and
   nuclear tests.
   On the eve of a trip to China, Hagel also called on Beijing to use its
   power responsibly in regional relations and territorial disputes.
   The Pentagon chief is on a 10-day tour across the Asia Pacific to
   reassure allies that the United States is committed to its mutual
   defense treaties in the region.
   He said Saturday that Russia`s annexation of Crimea and troop movements
   along the border with Ukraine have sparked worries among allies in the
   Pacific region and elsewhere.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-to-send-more-missile-defense-ships
   -to-japan/1887271.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-to-send-more-missile-defense-ships-to-japan/1887271.html