Tensions between Japan and China have flared up ahead of the Japanese foreign minister’s visit to Beijing. China, which Tokyo considers a potential threat to the country, has stepped up its naval and air drills around Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. The drills came after Japan unveiled a 5-year plan to bolster its military capability, announcing a record $55 billion defence budget for 2023. Experts say Japanese FM Yoshimasa Hayashi’s trip should be viewed as part of Tokyo’s broad policy shift on China. Experts say
