TOKYO (KYODO): With China stepping up its presence in Japan's neighbouring waters, a government panel on Tuesday proposed that Tokyo should beef up the capabilities of its defence forces.
The panel on ocean policy proposed that the government promote its marine resource development business and upgrade the capabilities of the Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Japan Coast Guard.
In receiving the proposals, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the government will reflect them in its five-year maritime policy program due to take effect in fiscal 2013 and that it is willing "to take a strategic approach in tackling the development and use of marine resources".
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