Japan strengthens military to deal with China and Russia in East Asia
(Baonghean.vn) - According to two defense documents of the Japanese government on December 18, the country will increase spending on purchasing advanced stealth aircraft, long-range missiles and other equipment within the next five years to support US forces to deal with the Chinese military in the Western Pacific.
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| Members of a tank unit of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Photo: Getty |
The plan is the clearest sign yet of Japan's ambitions to become a regional power, as China builds up its military and Russia puts pressure on US allies.
A draft 10-year defense program approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration states: "The United States remains the world's most powerful nation, but rivals are emerging and we recognize the importance of strategic competition with both China and Russia as they challenge the regional order."
Japan plans to buy 45 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters worth about $4 billion, in addition to the 42 already on order. The new fighters will include 18 F-35Bs, which are capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings.
Planners want to deploy the planes on Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea. Japan also plans to spend $224.7 billion on military equipment over the next five years, 6.4 percent more than previously planned.
