US to redeploy forces in Asia

The United States deputy defence secretary, Paul Wolfowitz, has said that the redeployment and modernisation of US forces in Asia will improve their ability to counter any attack by North Korea.

Speaking in Tokyo, at the end of his six day tour of the region, Mr Wolfowitz said the re-alignment should not wait until the problem concerning North Korea's nuclear programme is resolved.

Urging the United States allies in the region to take more responsibility for maintaining peace and security, he said Washington would welcome the participation of Japan in a missile defence system.

Mr Wolfowitz announced that the head of the United States missile defence programme, General Ron Kadish, would visit Tokyo soon.

Correspondents say Mr Wolfowitz has aimed to reassure America's allies in East Asia that the redeployment plans will not weaken US forces in the region.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service