The Japanese Defense Minister has cited technical issues in announcing a halt to the planned deployment of the land-based Aegis Ashore missile defense system in the country.

Kono Taro said on Monday that his ministry discovered it has to revamp an interceptor missile in order to ensure the safe landing of a rocket booster.

Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has stressed the need to closely work with other countries to address the impact of the new coronavirus outbreak on the global economy.

After a BOJ policymakers' meeting on Monday, Kuroda told reporters that they convened two days earlier than scheduled because of the need for swift measures that smoothen business operations and stabilize financial markets.