Japan’s military seeks record $52b budget

Japan's defence ministry yesterday unveiled a record $52-billion budget request in a push to maintain military readiness under pressure from China and North Korea. The Ministry of Defence is asking for 5.49 trillion yen ($52 billion) for the fiscal year from April 2021, marking nine straight years of increases and a rise from the 5.3 trillion yen for the ongoing year to March. Among Japan's planned big purchases are two frigates and a submarine, with money also going to the development of a next-generation fighter.