Japan Doubles Down on Defense to Counter China, Seeks AI, Drones, and Government Owned Factories Japan has doubled its defense spending to about 2% of its gross domestic product as part of a five year strategy aimed at countering China's growing assertiveness.
The 8. 9 trillion yen ($55. 6 billion) budget request for the coming fiscal year includes plans for artificial intelligence, underwater attack drones, and government owned weapons factories.
This move is designed to address concerns about China's military activities in the region.