What’s the message for China as Japan weighs US$500 billion defence surge?

AI Summary

Japan is reportedly considering raising five-year defence spending to as much as 80 trillion yen (about US$508 billion), potentially making its military substantially more capable. Analysts say the buildup could strengthen deterrence and Japan’s ability to respond to regional conflict involving Taiwan or the East China Sea.

China could face a substantially more capable Japanese military over the coming years as Tokyo considers nearly doubling its five-year defence spending to as much as 80 trillion yen (US$508 billion), according to media reports in Japan. Observers said such a build-up could strengthen Japan’s ability to deter or respond to People’s Liberation Army operations around Taiwan and the East China Sea, as well as withstand attacks and sustain prolonged operations in a regional conflict. The reported...