Now turning to international news...

Japan is deploying its first long-rang missiles at a southwest army camp.

This comes as the country accelerates its offensive capability in response to
growing global challenges.

The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles became operational at Camp Kengun
in Kumamoto prefecture today.

They have a range of about 1000 kilometers, about 5 times the range of the
original.

The extension allows the missiles to reach China.

The deployment of the long-range missile gives Japan the ability to strike
enemy missile bases from afar...

marking a break from the self-defense-only policy that the country has long
followed under its post World War II constitution.

Some residents near the area staged protests, saying it would only escalate
regional tensions and increase risks that the area would be targeted by
enemies.

This comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pushed for more defense
spending, with her cabinet last year approving a record defense budget plan
exceeding 58 billion US dollars.