TOKYO — The Japanese government stepped up its alarm over Chinese assertiveness, warning in a report issued Friday that the country faces its worst security threats since World War II as it plans to implement a new strategy that calls for a major ...

Driven by lessons from World War II and China’s expanding presence, Japan’s strategic orientation is pivoting eastward into the Pacific.

Japan and the Philippines signed a defense pact on Thursday that would allow the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training to boost deterrence against China’s growing aggression in the region and to bolster their preparation for natural disasters.

More than two weeks have passed since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made her erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question. Yet neither Takaichi nor Japanese diplomats have committed to retracting those erroneous statements. Japanese right-wing forces ...