Japan defense chief takes swipe at China

Japan's defense minister took a veiled swipe at China Sunday, pledging to keep strengthening the military despite Beijing's criticism of Tokyo's increasingly muscular security stance.

Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan has quickened its pivot toward a more proactive defence policy, further shaking off -- with US encouragement -- its pacifist outlook in place since the end of World War II.

The change has drawn frequent rebukes from Beijing, which has accused Tokyo of following a reckless ...