The Philippine military attacked a Muslim renegade faction Monday, two days after the country's main Muslim rebel group successfully ended negotiations to end a decades-long insurgency that has killed tens of thousands.
Nationalist prime minister Shinzo Abe set out his case Thursday for beefing up pacifist Japan's rules of engagement, saying he wants the armed forces to be able to enter battle in defence of allies.
North Korea on Tuesday denounced Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as an "Asian Hitler" intent on amassing military power under the guise of ensuring regional stability.