Japan—a key ally in the United States' strategy to counter potential Chinese aggression—has expanded the number of airports and seaports available for use in the event of a contingency.

A total of 14 airports and 26 seaports in Japan are designated for "specified use" by the Self-Defense Forces and the coast guard, located across the country's main and outlying islands.

Newsweek has reached out to the Japanese Defense Ministry for further comment via email. China 's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.

Why It Matters

Under a U.S. containment strategy, Japan is part of a north-south defensive line—known as the First Island Chain —along with Taiwan and the Philippines, aimed at projecting deterrence and restricting China's military act

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