Japan Approves Record Defense Budget Amid Rising China Tensions

📌Key Points

• •Japan's Cabinet approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for fiscal year 2026.
• •The budget aims to enhance strike-back capabilities and coastal defenses with new missiles and unmanned arsenals.
• •The increase is part of a plan to double defense spending to 2% of GDP by March, two years ahead of schedule, driven by escalating tensions with China and U.S. pressure.
• •Japan's current security strategy (2022) identifies China as its biggest strategic challenge.
• •Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on potential military involvement if China attacks Taiwan sparked strong reactions from Beijing.
• •The move represents a significant shift from Japan's post-World War II pacifist stance, allowing for a more offensive military role.