Japan to supplement military spending in rush to bolster air and sea defences

The 774 billion yen that lawmakers will be asked to approve is the largest amount ever, according to Japan's Ministry of Defence. - Reuters

TOKYO (Reuters): Japan plans to add US$6.75 billion to its already record annual military spending in a rush to bolster air and maritime defences as it becomes more concerned about threats posed by China and North Korea.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government on Friday (Nov 26) approved the outlay as part of a supplementary budget. While such additions to defence spending are common, the 774 billion yen that lawmakers will be asked to approve is the largest amount ever, according to Japan's Ministry of Defence.