Continuing its policy of stepping up to the plate by stages in matters of military security, Japan has announced it will begin patrolling sea lanes for North Korean ships which might contain contraband cargo. The Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan's largest newspaper, reports: The government intends to conduct inspections of cargo to and from North Korea in the Tsushima Strait and in waters northwest of Okinawa, in line with a U.N. Security Council resolution, sources said Saturday. As part of sanctions imposed in response to North Korea's nuclear test, the government is considering deploying several destroyers and P—3C patrol aircraft of the Maritime Self—Defense Force to the two sea areas and airspace. According to the outline of the government's action plan on possible inspections of cargo to and from North Korea, the MSDF is expected to engage in warning and surveillance activities regarding ships heading to North Korea. If a suspicious ship is spotted, the MSDF is to notify...(Read Full Post)