Japan's cabinet has approved a record-breaking defense budget for the next fiscal year, surpassing ¥9 trillion ($58 billion), representing a 9.4% increase from the previous year's budget. This hike is part of Japan's ongoing five-year strategy to double its annual military spending to 2% of GDP. The budget focuses on enhancing Japan’s defensive capabilities, including the development of advanced strike-back options and the strengthening of coastal defenses through surface-to-ship missiles and unmanned systems.&nbsp;A key component of the plan is the deployment of unmanned drones, both air and sea, under a program called "Shield," expected to roll out by March 2028. Japan has earmarked ¥100 billion for these new assets, aimed at bolstering its surveillance and defensive operations along its coastlines. This surge in military funding coincides with a period of growing tension between Japan and China.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beijing has consistently opposed Japan’s defensive build-up, especially after remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggesting Japan might intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan. This statement caused a strong backlash from China, leading to a series of diplomatic and economic retaliations. Despite this, Takaichi has stood by her comments, insisting that Japan's defense policies remain unchanged.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-killed-21-injured-in-blast-inside-alawite-mosque-in-syria-s-homs-toll-may-go-up-says-official-1766749937610">5 killed, 21 injured in blast inside Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs city; toll may go up, says official</a>&nbsp;China's criticism has extended beyond conventional military matters to Japan’s space ambitions. Chinese officials recently accused Japan of accelerating the militarization of space, with some of Japan's rocket launches in collaboration with the United States. Japan has launched several rockets this year, including those carrying satellites for GPS and intelligence gathering.&nbsp;In response to Japan’s increasing military assertiveness, China’s defense ministry warned of rising concerns over Japan’s space activities, likening them to a dangerous escalation reminiscent of the prelude to Pearl Harbor. Beijing’s concerns are compounded by Japan's long-standing post-war pacifist constitution, which limits the country's military actions, though a 2015 amendment allows for collective self-defense.&nbsp;The rising tensions between Japan and China are further fueled by the ongoing military modernisation in both nations. Japan sees China as its most significant strategic challenge, particularly given Beijing’s growing focus on Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province. Meanwhile, the United States remains a key ally to Taiwan, providing military support in defiance of China’s threats to annex the island.&nbsp;The confrontation has also escalated with recent incidents, such as Chinese military aircraft locking their radar onto Japanese planes during training exercises near southwestern Japan, which led to official protests from Tokyo.In contrast, China defends its military expansion as reasonable and fully compliant with international law, criticising the United States for its continued support of Taiwan and its role in fostering independence movements within the island.

Japan approves record-high military spending amid escalating China-Japan tensions

Japan's cabinet has approved a record-breaking defense budget for the next fiscal year, surpassing ¥9 trillion ($58 billion), representing a 9.4% increase from the previous year's budget. This hike is part of Japan's ongoing five-year strategy to double its annual military spending to 2% of GDP. The budget focuses on enhancing Japan’s defensive capabilities, including the development of advanced strike-back options and the strengthening of coastal defenses through surface-to-ship missiles and unmanned systems. A key component of the plan is the deployment of unmanned drones, both air and sea, under a program called "Shield," expected to roll out by March 2028. Japan has earmarked ¥100 billion for these new assets, aimed at bolstering its surveillance and defensive operations along its coastlines. This surge in military funding coincides with a period of growing tension between Japan and China. Beijing has consistently opposed Japan’s defensive build-up, especially after remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggesting Japan might intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan. This statement caused a strong backlash from China, leading to a series of diplomatic and economic retaliations. Despite this, Takaichi has stood by her comments, insisting that Japan's defense policies remain unchanged. Also Read: 5 killed, 21 injured in blast inside Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs city; toll may go up, says official China's criticism has extended beyond conventional military matters to Japan’s space ambitions. Chinese officials recently accused Japan of accelerating the militarization of space, with some of Japan's rocket launches in collaboration with the United States. Japan has launched several rockets this year, including those carrying satellites for GPS and intelligence gathering. In response to Japan’s increasing military assertiveness, China’s defense ministry warned of rising concerns over Japan’s space activities, likening them to a dangerous escalation reminiscent of the prelude to Pearl Harbor. Beijing’s concerns are compounded by Japan's long-standing post-war pacifist constitution, which limits the country's military actions, though a 2015 amendment allows for collective self-defense. The rising tensions between Japan and China are further fueled by the ongoing military modernisation in both nations. Japan sees China as its most significant strategic challenge, particularly given Beijing’s growing focus on Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province. Meanwhile, the United States remains a key ally to Taiwan, providing military support in defiance of China’s threats to annex the island. The confrontation has also escalated with recent incidents, such as Chinese military aircraft locking their radar onto Japanese planes during training exercises near southwestern Japan, which led to official protests from Tokyo. In contrast, China defends its military expansion as reasonable and fully compliant with international law, criticising the United States for its continued support of Taiwan and its role in fostering independence movements within the island.

Japan approves a record defence budget to strengthen coastal and strike-back capabilities, as China criticises Tokyo's space tech advancements and military stance

Currently, in the last leg of the tour of the G7 industrial powers, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday met US President Joe Biden in Washington. The latter hailed Japan's increase in military spending to keep peace in the region and said the U.

Currently, in the last leg of the tour of the G7 industrial powers, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday met US President Joe Biden in Washington. The latter hailed Japan's increase in military spending to keep peace in the region and said the U.S. was strongly committed to Japan's defence. "We are modernising our military alliances, building on Japan's historic increase in defence spending, and new national security strategy," said Biden during the meet. "Let me be crystal clear: The United States is fully, thoroughly, completely committed to the alliance, and importantly...to the defence of Japan," he added. Biden's statement came after Kishida said that both countries were "facing the most challenging and complex security environment in recent history". Japan's muscular military strategy Japan last month decided to pivot on its 'pacifist' defence strategy by announcing a $320 billion plan for a military build-up, its biggest since World War II. Read more: Japan approves $320 billion defence overhaul, says China poses 'greatest strategic threat' The change was expedited due to a boisterous neighbour in China drumming up hostilities and a rogue element in North Korea which has not halted its indiscriminate missile testing programme. Both countries are nuclear-armed and thus Japan has taken upon itself to shore the defences by vowing to spend two per cent of the GDP by 2027 on national security. WATCH | Gravitas: New U.S-Japan plan to counter China × Keeping the China threat in mind, Kishida signed a new space pact with the US during the ongoing tour wherein the two allies will come to each other’s defence if their satellites are attacked. “We agree that attacks to, from or within space present a clear challenge. We affirm that, depending on the nature of those attacks, this could lead to the invocation of Article Five of our Japan-US security treaty,” said Blinken during the announcement of the pact. Additionally, Tokyo agreed to the stationing of a new Marine unit on Okinawa island. The move intends to provide a stand-in force to Japan when it has to defend itself in the face of military contingencies. The island's close proximity to Taiwan is another subtle message to China that the move has been engineered keeping it in mind. Japan will be hosting this year's G7 summit. Kishida is visiting all the members of the grouping, bar Germany. Washington is his last stop. The flurry of military deals and the aggressive stance suggest that Japan has fully embraced its new strategy of playing on the front foot. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Joe Biden hails PM Kishida for scrapping Japan’s pacifist defence strategy

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida signed a defence agreement in London on Wednesday that will allow the countries to deploy forces on each other's soil, the latest move towards closer security ties.

UK, Japan sign major defence deal during PM Kishida visit to London

Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year.

The main reason behind the rise in defence spending can be attributed to the rise of nuclear missile tests by North Korea. The missiles have breached the border of Japan on multiple occasions and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can be looking to bolster their defence for any such transgressions.

Earlier, Japan also approved a new security strategy which will allow an increase of around two per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2027. The other reason behind this step is to meet the NATO member guidelines – something that almost major member have adhered to in the recent past.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-attack-probe-committee-releases-report-clearly-says-trump-sparked-riots-545725">Trump sparked riots, says January 6 Capitol Hill attack probe panel report</a>

Reuters reported that around $1.5 billion will be used to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States while more than $80 million will be used to produce surface-to-ship missiles.

Media reports also claimed that the budget report described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan" and a "serious concern" for the international community. The main aim for Japan will be to increase its "counterstrike capacity".

"We plan to acquire all the Tomahawk missiles we need in the next fiscal year," a defence ministry official told reporters on the condition of anonymity according to Reuters. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year.

Japan has approved the biggest ever defence spending in its history as part of the $839 billion budget for 2023. The new budget, which was approved by the Japanese parliament, included an allocation of $51 billion for the defence ministry – over 30 per cent more than the previous year. The main reason behind the rise in defence spending can be attributed to the rise of nuclear missile tests by North Korea. The missiles have breached the border of Japan on multiple occasions and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can be looking to bolster their defence for any such transgressions. Earlier, Japan also approved a new security strategy which will allow an increase of around two per cent of GDP in defence spending by 2027. The other reason behind this step is to meet the NATO member guidelines – something that almost major member have adhered to in the recent past. Also read | Trump sparked riots, says January 6 Capitol Hill attack probe panel report Reuters reported that around $1.5 billion will be used to buy Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States while more than $80 million will be used to produce surface-to-ship missiles. Media reports also claimed that the budget report described Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan" and a "serious concern" for the international community. The main aim for Japan will be to increase its "counterstrike capacity". "We plan to acquire all the Tomahawk missiles we need in the next fiscal year," a defence ministry official told reporters on the condition of anonymity according to Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese parliament approves record defence spending in latest budget

In the face if an&nbsp;impending threat from China, Japan is expected to announce its biggest defence overhaul in decades this week. As part of the massive change, spending will be increased and the military command is likely to be reshaped. Acquisition of new missiles to tackle the threat from China is also expected to feature in the new policy.

Three defence and security documents will outline the changes as soon as Friday and reshape the defence landscape in a country whose post-war constitution does not even officially recognise the military.

"Fundamentally strengthening our defence capabilities is the most urgent challenge in this severe security environment," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the weekend.

"We will urgently ramp up our defence capabilities over the next five years."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-changing-geopolitical-landscape-japan-plans-to-boost-defence-budget-538422">Amid changing geopolitical landscape, Japan plans to boost defence budget</a>

Japan is beginning to see a threat not just from China, a country that has been growing its military strength and regional posturing, but also from North Korea&nbsp;that has launched several missiles in the past few weeks. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also prompted Japan to sit up and think about strengthening its military to defend itself in case of a foreign aggression.

The highlight of the policy is a pledge to boost spending to two per cent of GDP by 2027 to bring Japan in line with NATO members, marking a significant increase from historic spending of around one per cent. Some experts and citizens have been critical of the hike since it is not clear how it will be financed.

However, many people in the country also seem to be in favour of increasing defence spending. In a poll published by the Kyodo news agency, over 60 per cent of respondents want the country to obtain "counterstrike capability".

Japan has a pacifist post-war constitution which limits its military capacity to mostly defensive measures. As per local reports, the additional spending will be mainly aimed at "counterstrike"&nbsp;capacity, that is weapons that can target enemy missile launch sites and described by Tokyo as defensive.

To affirm that will be focus on "counterstrike" capacity, policy documents will reportedly insist that Japan remains committed to a "self-defence-oriented security policy" and will "not become a military power".

Japan is reportedly considering purchasing 500 US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, while it develops longer-range missiles domestically.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the face if an impending threat from China, Japan is expected to announce its biggest defence overhaul in decades this week. As part of the massive change, spending will be increased and the military command is likely to be reshaped.

In the face if an impending threat from China, Japan is expected to announce its biggest defence overhaul in decades this week. As part of the massive change, spending will be increased and the military command is likely to be reshaped. Acquisition of new missiles to tackle the threat from China is also expected to feature in the new policy. Three defence and security documents will outline the changes as soon as Friday and reshape the defence landscape in a country whose post-war constitution does not even officially recognise the military. "Fundamentally strengthening our defence capabilities is the most urgent challenge in this severe security environment," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the weekend. "We will urgently ramp up our defence capabilities over the next five years." Also Read | Amid changing geopolitical landscape, Japan plans to boost defence budget Japan is beginning to see a threat not just from China, a country that has been growing its military strength and regional posturing, but also from North Korea that has launched several missiles in the past few weeks. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also prompted Japan to sit up and think about strengthening its military to defend itself in case of a foreign aggression. The highlight of the policy is a pledge to boost spending to two per cent of GDP by 2027 to bring Japan in line with NATO members, marking a significant increase from historic spending of around one per cent. Some experts and citizens have been critical of the hike since it is not clear how it will be financed. However, many people in the country also seem to be in favour of increasing defence spending. In a poll published by the Kyodo news agency, over 60 per cent of respondents want the country to obtain "counterstrike capability". Japan has a pacifist post-war constitution which limits its military capacity to mostly defensive measures. As per local reports, the additional spending will be mainly aimed at "counterstrike" capacity, that is weapons that can target enemy missile launch sites and described by Tokyo as defensive. To affirm that will be focus on "counterstrike" capacity, policy documents will reportedly insist that Japan remains committed to a "self-defence-oriented security policy" and will "not become a military power". Japan is reportedly considering purchasing 500 US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, while it develops longer-range missiles domestically. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid threats from China & North Korea, Japan to announce radical overhaul of defence policy

In an effort to address growing threats from China, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has told his cabinet to increase defence spending to two per cent of GDP by 2027. The figure has stood around one per cent or less since forever, but Japan is now trying to overhaul its defence and security strategies due to the changing geopolitical landscape.&nbsp;

"We'll take budgetary measures to increase spending on defence and other outlays to two percent of current GDP by 2027," Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters after talks with Kishida.

The defence ministry had submitted a $40 billion budget request in August. But a final figure will have to wait till the government completes updates to several defence policies.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-japan-prefers-higher-inflation-481910">Why Japan prefers higher inflation</a>

The scenarios around Japan are getting dangerous, with China conducting military exercises, North Korea's missile tests and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. All this have contributed to gathering support in favour of the increased spending.

Japan has a pacifist post-war constitution which limits its military capacity to mostly defensive measures.

As per local reports, the additional spending will be mainly aimed at "counterstrike" capacity, that is weapons that can target enemy missile launch sites and described by Tokyo as defensive.

Kishida also told the parliament that counterstrike capacity was one of several options being weighed.

"This is being studied within the bounds of the constitution and international law," he said.&nbsp;

People of the country also seem to be in favour of increasing defence spending. In a poll published by the Kyodo news agency, over 60 per cent of respondents want the country to obtain "counterstrike capability".

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However, the problem arises in the area of funds. Higher taxes is not an option as even Kishida's LDP is not in favour of increasing taxes.&nbsp;

The country's economy is seeing a downturn owing to an ageing and shrinking population, besides the post-pandemic recovery and fallout from the war in Ukraine.

Hamada said Monday that Kishida has asked the government to find a way to boost spending, the issue of costs notwithstanding.

"(We will) secure the necessary budget by coming up quickly with various approaches, instead of just saying we can't because there aren't sufficient financial resources," he quoted the prime minister as saying.

A third of respondents in the Kyodo poll said that the government should cut expenses in other areas to raise funds for increased defence spending. Just over 22 per cent backed increased corporate taxes, and 13 per cent favour the issuing of government bonds.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In an effort to address growing threats from China, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has told his cabinet to increase defence spending to two per cent of GDP by 2027.

In an effort to address growing threats from China, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has told his cabinet to increase defence spending to two per cent of GDP by 2027. The figure has stood around one per cent or less since forever, but Japan is now trying to overhaul its defence and security strategies due to the changing geopolitical landscape. "We'll take budgetary measures to increase spending on defence and other outlays to two percent of current GDP by 2027," Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters after talks with Kishida. The defence ministry had submitted a $40 billion budget request in August. But a final figure will have to wait till the government completes updates to several defence policies. Also Read | Why Japan prefers higher inflation The scenarios around Japan are getting dangerous, with China conducting military exercises, North Korea's missile tests and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. All this have contributed to gathering support in favour of the increased spending. Japan has a pacifist post-war constitution which limits its military capacity to mostly defensive measures. As per local reports, the additional spending will be mainly aimed at "counterstrike" capacity, that is weapons that can target enemy missile launch sites and described by Tokyo as defensive. Kishida also told the parliament that counterstrike capacity was one of several options being weighed. "This is being studied within the bounds of the constitution and international law," he said. People of the country also seem to be in favour of increasing defence spending. In a poll published by the Kyodo news agency, over 60 per cent of respondents want the country to obtain "counterstrike capability". × However, the problem arises in the area of funds. Higher taxes is not an option as even Kishida's LDP is not in favour of increasing taxes. The country's economy is seeing a downturn owing to an ageing and shrinking population, besides the post-pandemic recovery and fallout from the war in Ukraine. Hamada said Monday that Kishida has asked the government to find a way to boost spending, the issue of costs notwithstanding. "(We will) secure the necessary budget by coming up quickly with various approaches, instead of just saying we can't because there aren't sufficient financial resources," he quoted the prime minister as saying. A third of respondents in the Kyodo poll said that the government should cut expenses in other areas to raise funds for increased defence spending. Just over 22 per cent backed increased corporate taxes, and 13 per cent favour the issuing of government bonds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid changing geopolitical landscape, Japan plans to boost defence budget

Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China.

The figure represents the pacifist country's tenth consecutive increase in yearly defence spending, surpassing a ceiling of 1% of GDP that it has mainly maintained for decades.

The move comes after parliament enacted a supplementary budget this week that included record defence spending.

China summons Japan's envoy and chastises Abe over his threat to invade Taiwan.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Japan's military budget is tiny when compared to that of its partners, the United States, which is expected to spend $778 billion in 2020, and China, which will spend $252 billion. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-with-an-eye-on-china-japans-ruling-party-makes-unprecedented-defence-spending-pledge-420812">Also read | Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge</a>

Before being officially enacted next year, the total budget must be approved by parliament.

The United States and Japan have reached an agreement on payments for hosting American troops.&nbsp;

After Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong in 2020, relations between Japan and China became increasingly tense, as ships from both countries continued to chase each other over islands they both claim in the East China Sea.

Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have become more vocal about the need to prepare for a contingency around Taiwan.&nbsp;

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Japan still regards the US military as playing a critical role in ensuring its security—a situation that fits the Pentagon well, as its East Asian posture is mainly reliant on facilities on Japanese soil.

However, the financial and environmental costs of maintaining that alliance occasionally run afoul of domestic politics in both the United States and Japan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China.

Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China. The figure represents the pacifist country's tenth consecutive increase in yearly defence spending, surpassing a ceiling of 1% of GDP that it has mainly maintained for decades. The move comes after parliament enacted a supplementary budget this week that included record defence spending. China summons Japan's envoy and chastises Abe over his threat to invade Taiwan. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Japan's military budget is tiny when compared to that of its partners, the United States, which is expected to spend $778 billion in 2020, and China, which will spend $252 billion. Also read | Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge Before being officially enacted next year, the total budget must be approved by parliament. The United States and Japan have reached an agreement on payments for hosting American troops. After Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong in 2020, relations between Japan and China became increasingly tense, as ships from both countries continued to chase each other over islands they both claim in the East China Sea. Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have become more vocal about the need to prepare for a contingency around Taiwan. × Japan still regards the US military as playing a critical role in ensuring its security—a situation that fits the Pentagon well, as its East Asian posture is mainly reliant on facilities on Japanese soil. However, the financial and environmental costs of maintaining that alliance occasionally run afoul of domestic politics in both the United States and Japan. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid escalating Chinese threats, Japan passes a record defence budget 

In Japan, the government of Yoshihide Suga is reinforcing the country's military might. It has proposed a record $51.7 billion defence budget. This is the ninth consecutive rise in Japan's military spending.

Japan's record $52 billion military budget aims at safeguarding against China