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Japan Boosts Defense Budget Amid China’s Military Threat

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Japan's Defense Ministry warns that China's military build-up could significantly affect Japan's security.
The ministry notes increased monitoring of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) amid tensions over Taiwan and territorial disputes.
Japan claims China's 2025 defense budget is over four times larger than Japan's.
In response, Japan plans to raise its 2026 defense budget above 9 trillion yen and surpass this year's 8.7 trillion yen.

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Story summary

Japan's Defense Ministry warns that China's military build-up could significantly affect Japan's security.
The ministry notes increased monitoring of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) amid tensions over Taiwan and territorial disputes.
Japan claims China's 2025 defense budget is over four times larger than Japan's.
In response, Japan plans to raise its 2026 defense budget above 9 trillion yen and surpass this year's 8.7 trillion yen.