Japanese officials say they are closely watching to see if China keeps its promise to prevent further violations of Japan’s airspace after explaining that an incursion by a Chinese military aircraft nearly three months ago was unintentional and caused by turbulence.

Japan's exports expanded faster than expected in October, led by a pick-up in chip equipment demand in China, though fears persist over potential U.S. protectionist trade policies that could hamper future shipments.

Japan’s exports rebounded in October but there are doubts if exports will keep strengthening amid uncertainties surrounding the global economy and U.S. trade policy.

Japan's trade deficit expanded to 461.2 billion yen ($2.98 billion), compared to September's revised figure of 294.1 billion yen.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed regret Wednesday that his Chinese counterpart chose not to hold talks with him during meetings of Southeast Asian defense chiefs in Laos, calling it a setback for the entire region.

Many Southeast Asian nations are looking for assurances from the U.S. before President-elect Donald Trump's return to power in January.

Southeast Asian defense chiefs and representatives are meeting in Laos for security talks at a time of increasing maritime disputes with China in the Asia-Pacific and as the transition to a new U.S. p