Pacifist Japan set to double military spending
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STORY: Japan on Friday (DEcember 16) unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War Two.
The $320 billion plan will ready the pacifist country for sustained conflict.
And includes buying missiles capable of striking China.
As the government fears Russia's invasion of Ukraine will encourage Beijing to attack Taiwan and threaten nearby Japanese islands.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida branded Japan as being at a "turning point in history”:
“We can feel a rapid increase in the severity of the security environment around our country. In countries and the region surrounding our country, a strengthening of nuclear and missile capabilities, a rapid military build-up and attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through power are becoming more pronounced.”
Tokyo also fears an attack by China could put a potential stranglehold on sea lanes that supply Middle East oil.
As well as disrupt supplies of advanced semiconductors.
"China's current external stance and military trends are a challenge to our country's peace and security, the securing of global peace and stability and the enhancement of international order based on the rule of law."
China accused Japan of making false claims about its military activities in the new security strategy, according to a statement from its embassy in Japan.
The five-year plan, which will double Japan’s budget to about 2% of GDP, will make the country the world's third-biggest military spender after the U.S. and China, based on current budgets.
