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A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) P-3C patrol aircraft launches flares during a naval fleet review at Sagami Bay, off Yokosuka, south of Tokyo in this October 14, 2012 file photo. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plans to expand Japan's non-combat role in armed conflicts beyond “areas around Japan” could see Tokyo becoming dragged into action in the South China Sea in support of U.S. forces, government and ruling party sources say. Abe will send legislation to parliament next month – with the backing of his coalition partners virtually assuring its passage – allowing Japan to ship fuel and ammunition to American units anywhere, should Tokyo judge its national security to be at stake. (Photo by Yuriko Nakao/Reuters)
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