Japan weighs $600 billion defence spending plan, sources say

· Security · Japan

Japan is weighing a defence spending plan of about $600 billion, according to sources, though the figure could still change as the government compiles the budget. The plan would mark a major increase in military expenditure as Tokyo responds to regional security threats, including North Korea's missile tests and China's military buildup. Japan has been steadily raising defence budgets in recent years, and the scale of the reported figure underscores a significant shift in its post-war security posture.

Why it matters：A bigger Japanese defence budget would reshape the regional military balance and deepen its role in allied security arrangements.

Key points

  • The plan is put at about $600 billion.
  • The figure could change as the budget is compiled.
  • Japan has been raising defence spending in response to regional threats.

Sources (original reporting)

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