Japan’s cabinet approves record $43.6 billion military budget amid tensions with China & North Korea

‘Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet has approved a record $43.6 billion Japan military budget, increasing it for the fifth year in a row out of concerns over potential threats from China and North Korea.
Abe’s cabinet signed off on a 1.4 percent increase in military spending, bringing the total to a record 5.13 trillion yen ($43.66 billion) for the fiscal year starting April 1. Experts say the plan is very likely to be approved by lawmakers.
Meanwhile, China continues to claim disputed territories in the South China Sea, and North Korea has continued to carry out missile tests.’
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