Japan’s government has approved a record defense budget of 56 billion dollars for next year. That makes the Asian country the world’s biggest military spender after the United States and China. Tokyo also loosened its arms exports restrictions. The changes are part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida efforts to boost the country’s military capabilities. Japan has had a small, defensive military since World War Two, but views North Korea and China as increasing threats. The United States considers Japan an important ally in any potential conflict. The new export rules will allow Japan to sell air defense to the US.
- Japan‘s Cabinet on Friday approved a hefty 16% increase in military spending next year and eased its postwar ban on lethal weapons exports, underscoring a shift away from the country’s self-defense-only principle. Newsmax
- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), steam in formation with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) first-in-class helicopter destroyer, JS Hyuga (DDH-181), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers, USS Antietam (CG-54) and USS Robert Smalls (CG-62),
- The UK, Italy, and Japan are developing their own advanced fighter jets in order to counter China’s military. The three countries were in agreement when they signed a defense deal on Dec. 14. – China Focus NTD
- Japan approves massive military spending growth, lifts ban on lethal weapons exports – Fox News
- KIM JONG UN’S NUCLEAR WARNING Kim threatened nuclear retaliation if faced with nuclear provocation. His stark warning follows North Korea’s latest ballistic missile test, showcasing their military capabilities. Amidst this, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan ramp up joint air drills, fueling tensions in the region. Mario Nawfal – Reuters
- The Japanese Self Defence Forces held large-scale military drills on the Yonaguni and Senkaku island. Japan says the drills were in preparation for China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. – First Post – Video see at Twitter
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