Japan and the United States have agreed to jointly study whether Japan's Self-Defense Forces should have the capability of attacking an enemy base as a way of countering threats by North Korea.

Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera met with US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Brunei.

Onodera said the 2 countries need to discuss how Japan should deal with North Korea's repeated threats. Earlier this year, Pyongyang warned of possible attacks on major cities in Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka, and other parts of the country that host US bases.

Onodera called for Japan and the US to hold a cautious debate on whether the Self-Defense Forces should have the capacity to attack enemy bases.

Hagel said he understands Japan's position, and pledged cooperation.

Onodera later told reporters there needs to be discussion on whether Japan should play a complementary role, instead of fully relying on the United States for its attack capabilities.

He added that Japan will seek to avoid any misunderstanding with its neighbors by explaining why it's discussing the matter with the US.

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This news was published on August 28, 2013

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130828_29.html