Australia Participating In Martime Exercise In Japan

Australia is taking part in a multi national exercise off Japan this weekend aimed at halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Our North Asia Correspondent Shane Mcleod in Tokyo says this is the second time the countries involved in the Proliferation Security Initiative have conducted a joint exercise.Australia is joining Japan, Britain, France, New Zealand and the United States to stage mock pursuits and inspections at sea, and a chemical spill to test the response of the initiative members. Japan is hosting the event, and its Maritime Self Defence Force is taking part along with other government agencies. Japan has also reportedly decided to test fire its new Aegis anti missile interception technology for the first time in December off Hawaii.