Japan, which in the 19th century took on board western notions of the sovereign state, absorbed Ryukyu (now Okinawa) and went on forcibly to incorporate much of Asia into its short-lived empire.

19世纪，日本接受了西方的主权国家概念，占领了琉球国(现在的冲绳)，后来又凭借武力将亚洲许多地区并入其短命的帝国之中。

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Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that the United States would not forcibly board a North Korean ship but, in accordance with a recent U.N. resolution, would request permission to search the ship or press any port the ship docks in to inspect it for illegal materials.

CNN: Gates: U.S. ready for North Korea missile