"Japan, China, and South Korea have all significantly increased their defense spending."

The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said on February 5 that Japan, China, and South Korea accounted for approximately 57% of the actual increase in defense spending in Asia in 2013.

According to the annual report titled "Military Balance" published by the IISS, high tensions in East Asia due to territorial issues and differing historical viewpoints have led these three countries to increase their defense spending.

A South Korean K1A1 tank participates in a parade at an air base in Seongnam, south of Seoul. AFP-VNA

The report notes that the dispute between Japan and China, and Tokyo's concerns about North Korea's nuclear ambitions and missile program, have contributed "significantly to the image of a more assertive Japan on security issues" since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took office in December 2012.

Nominal defense spending in Asia in 2013 reached $321.8 billion, a 23% increase from $261.7 billion in 2010. Of the total increase in Asian defense spending, China accounted for 46%, Japan 5.7%, and South Korea 5.2%.

China's efforts to enhance its military capabilities stem from "increasing tensions arising from territorial claims in regional waters."

The report notes that China's official defense budget figures may not accurately reflect actual defense spending, which is often 1.4-1.5 times higher than official figures when including costs such as research and development.

According to VNA