Japan Approves Record Defense Budget to Counter China and Boost Military Power
Japan's cabinet has approved a record ¥9tn ($58bn) defense budget to enhance strike-back capabilities and coastal defenses amid escalating tensions with China, which has criticized Japan's space and military developments. The budget increase is part of Japan's plan to double its arms spending to 2% of GDP, focusing on unmanned drones and missile systems, as tensions with China and the US over Taiwan continue to rise. China has condemned Japan's space technology advancements and military activities, accusing them of fueling an arms race, while Japan emphasizes its defensive posture within constitutional limits.