Last updated: 17 december, 2010 - 15:55 GMT
Japan rethinks defence in response to China's strength
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Japan has announced a major reconfiguration of its defence forces to address new security challenges.
The cabinet said China's military rise was a source of international concern and described North Korea as a grave factor of instability.
China said Japan was making irresponsible remarks.
Alexander Neill is head of the Asia Programme at the Royal United Services Institute.
First broadcast 17 December 2010
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