South Korea, Japan warn North Korea on missile

SEOUL (Reuters) - Japan said on Friday it could shoot down any threatening object falling toward its territory, after North Korea said a planned rocket launch would send it across Japanese territory.

North Korea has given notice to global agencies that it plans to launch a satellite between April 4 and 8, presenting a challenge to new U.S. PresidentBarack Obama and allies who see it as a disguised missile test.

"Under our law, we can intercept any object if it is falling toward Japan, including any attacks on Japan, for our safety," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura told a news conference.More

China says to boost defense spending in 2009

BEIJING (AP) - China announced plans Wednesday to boost military spending by 14.9 percent this year, but noted that much of it was for salaries and said there was no need for other countries to be fearful.
National People's Congress spokesman Li Zhaoxing described the increase as "modest" in a news conference to announce the agenda for China's annual legislature, which opens Thursday.
Li said the said the increase would not pose a threat to any country, and that much of it would go to salaries and benefits for China's 2.3 million-strong military force, the world's largest.More