TOKYO, November 08, SPA -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged Japanese leaders Thursday to step up their efforts on global security, focusing on Tokyo's stalled efforts toextend an anti-terror naval mission in the Indian Ocean. Gates, who arrived from South Korea on Wednesday for atwo-day visit, met with Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura inthe first of a string of meetings _ including talks withPrime Minister Yasuo Fukuda _ that stretched into theevening. The two discussed Japan's resuming a halted naval missionin the Indian Ocean and building a joint U.S.-Japan missiledefense system, Komura said after the meeting. They alsoagreed China should be more transparent about its growingmilitary budget.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/497857