US-Japan drill 'raises regional tension'

Exercise reveals Washington's backing for Tokyo, experts say

Washington and Tokyo kicked off a military drill, which envisioned retaking an island, in what analysts said was a clear signal that the US was throwing its military weight behind Japan over the Diaoyu Islands issue.

The 37-day drill, which started on Tuesday, involves troops sailing 2,000 km on a US vessel to Tinian Island, off the coast of the Northern Marianas. Boats and helicopters will then be deployed in a joint landing.