Japan's cabinet approved a ninth straight increase in the nation's defense budget as the government bolsters funding to develop longer-range cruise missiles and stealth fighters to counter potential threats from China and North Korea.

The record 5.34 trillion yen ($51.7 billion) defense budget planned for fiscal 2021 is the first under Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and is a 1.1% increase over the current year's budget.

It is set for parliamentary approval early next year as part of a 106 trillion yen (null.03 trillion) national budget totaling for the fiscal year beginning in April.

https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-cabinet-oks-more-defense-funds-amid-potential-threats