Japan to bolster defenses in Pacific 'vacuum' zones, says defense minister

Japan is moving to address what it calls a 'defense vacuum' in the Pacific, signaling a shift in its security posture. During a visit to Iwo Jima, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the strategic importance of fortifying this sprawling region. This marks a clear recognition of gaps in Japan's existing defense framework, likely in response to growing maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The move aligns with Tokyo's broader strategy to counterbalance regional threats and project a stro