What's happened
Japan's Defense Ministry has proposed a record budget of ¥8.5 trillion ($59 billion) for fiscal 2025, focusing on countering threats from China and North Korea. This includes investments in unmanned systems and AI. Meanwhile, Taro Kono's suggestion to deploy nuclear submarines has sparked controversy within the ruling party.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Julian Ryall in the South China Morning Post, Japan's Defense Ministry is seeking a record budget to bolster its military capabilities amid rising threats from China and North Korea. The budget request includes significant investments in AI and unmanned systems, reflecting a strategic shift in Japan's defense posture. Meanwhile, Taro Kono's controversial suggestion to deploy nuclear submarines has been met with resistance from within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as noted by Yoshimasa Hayashi, who emphasized Japan's current legal constraints on nuclear capabilities. This internal conflict illustrates the complexities Japan faces in balancing its defense needs with historical aversions to nuclear armament.
How we got here
Japan's military spending has been increasing in response to regional security threats, particularly from China and North Korea. The government aims to double its defense budget by 2027, reflecting a shift in its defense posture amid rising tensions.
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