Japan’s defense ministry requests nearly 12% budget increase to bolster military’s strike capability

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s defense ministry is requesting a nearly 12% budget increase that includes two warships with advanced radar and long-range cruise missiles. The record $52.5 billion request for the next fiscal year comes as Japan further fortifies its military in the face of North Korean threats and Chinese military advancement. The request is for the second year of a rapid five-year military buildup under a new security strategy the government adopted in December. It focuses on reinforcing strike capability in a break from Japan’s postwar principle of having a military only for self-defense.