Japan likely to mull pre-emptive strike ability in defence update

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan is likely to start considering acquiring the ability to launch pre-emptive military strikes in an update of its basic defence policies, the latest step away from the constraints of its pacifist constitution.

The expected proposal, which will almost certainly sound alarm bells in China, is part of a review of Japan's defence policies undertaken by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, an interim report on which could come as early as Friday.