Hiroshima, April 7 -- Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani on Sunday expressed commitment to enhancing the transport capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces for remote southern islands via a newly established unit focused on maritime logistics amid rising tensions over the Taiwan Strait, as reported by Kyodo News.

"The unit will facilitate quicker and more secure troop deployments," Nakatani stated during a ceremony in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, commemorating the establishment of the Maritime Transportation Group, which was formed on March 24 and is located in the city, Kyodo News reported.

The group, which operates under the direct control of Japan's Defence Minister, comprises approximately 100 personnel. It aims to acquire 10 trans...