The United States and Japan have agreed to broaden their security alliance,
expanding Japan’s role while trying to show American determination to remain a dominant presence in the region the agreement,
which will position surveillance drones in Japan for the first time,
underscored efforts to respond to growing challenges from China and North Korea.
It also included some of the clearest signals yet that Washington back Japan’s increasing though still limited moves to strengthen its military,
and its military tie in Asia, as a counterbalance to China’s own buildup.
The drones, as well as US Navy reconnaissance planes never before stationed outside the US, are expected to patrol waters in the region, including those around disputed islands.