Story perspectives

Japan Links Defence Spend, Long-Range Missiles to Growth, Angers China

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japan's white paper says the military buildup will boost economic growth and cites threats from China, Russia and North Korea.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi links the 122.3 trillion-yen budget, a 3.1 trillion-yen supplement and defence spending at 2 % of GDP to prosperity and a new security strategy.
The budget includes missiles with ranges over 1,000 km, prompting Beijing to demand a retraction after Takaichi warned Japan might deploy forces if China attacked Taiwan.

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Story summary

Japan's white paper says the military buildup will boost economic growth and cites threats from China, Russia and North Korea.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi links the 122.3 trillion-yen budget, a 3.1 trillion-yen supplement and defence spending at 2 % of GDP to prosperity and a new security strategy.
The budget includes missiles with ranges over 1,000 km, prompting Beijing to demand a retraction after Takaichi warned Japan might deploy forces if China attacked Taiwan.