Japanese defense chief visits US

Japanese Defense Agency Director General Yoshinori Ono headed for the United States on Friday for a four-day visit.

Prior to his departure on the day, Ono told a press conference that it is important to build a common ground with the United States on what roles the both sides would play respectively under new security environment.

Ono is expected to meet US Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.

The Defense Agency said his visit would be focused on Japan-US alliance, without disclosing details. Kyodo News said Ono is expected to reconfirm with the US leaders the need to reduce the burden on areas hosting US bases in Japan while maintaining deterrence in the region.

Japan hosts about 40,000 US troops, with the bulk in Okinawa Prefecture.

As one of the staunchest ally, Japan has extended full support to US military's anti-terror operations, such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Vessels of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force are cruising in the Indian Ocean to provide logistical support to US and allied forces.

Tokyo also sent more than 500 troops to southern Iraq on assignment of rebuilding, and aims to extend the mission after it expires on Dec. 14.

The two are jointly building ballistic missile defense systems which are expected be deployed on Japan's land and warships in thenext few years.

Source: Xinhua