Japan hopes U.S. maintains security role after halt of military drill

Japanese officials said Tuesday they hope the strong U.S. security role that has underpinned the Asia-Pacific region for decades will remain unchanged despite Washington's decision to suspend a major military drill held every year with South Korea."In any case...we understand that the United States will not change its commitment to the Japan-U.S. alliance and the structure of its military in Japan," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference.The decision to halt the Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise, scheduled for August, was announced by Seoul and Washington a week after …READ FULL ARTICLE