Cleverly's defence mission to Japan

FOREIGN Secretary James Cleverly arrives in Japan today as the country reels from last week's North Korean missile scare.

- David Williamson

Mr Cleverly will discuss closer security and defence ties with his Japanese counterpart.

It comes amid mounting concern about the threat of conflict between China and Taiwan.

Britain wants to cement new postBrexit economic partnerships with Pacific-facing nations, but the region is fraught with tensions.

An evacuation order was issued in northern Japan last week when North Korea staged a missile launch.

And last weekend, China simulated precision strikes on targets in Taiwan.

In a further disturbance, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida was yesterday rushed to safety when an apparent smoke bomb was thrown at him before he was due to give a speech.