Japan approves record budget amid 'complex security environment'

Japan's government has approved a record budget for fiscal 2025, amid the 'most severe and complex security environment' since World War II.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on December 24.

Kyodo News reported on December 27 that the Japanese government has approved a record-breaking 115.54 trillion yen (18.65 trillion VND) budget for fiscal year 2025, driven by continued increases in social security and defense spending.

The fiscal year budget starting in April 2025, approved by the cabinet, includes 8.7 trillion yen for defense spending. This budget also includes approximately 38.3 trillion yen for social security spending, up from 37.7 trillion yen in the current fiscal year. Japan's fiscal year 2024 budget is 112.57 trillion yen.

Japan's Defense Ministry said the country is facing the "most severe and complex security environment" since World War II, echoing warnings from Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.

The defense budget, which marked its 13th consecutive year of increase, includes funding for mass production of long-range or out-of-range defense missiles. It also funds measures to attract recruits to the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and improve relations between the US and the JSDF with the people of Okinawa.

In addition, the budget includes investment in collecting satellite information on ballistic missiles, such as those launched by North Korea, and ship movements around Japan, including areas disputed with China.

What weapons does Japan want with its record defense budget proposal?

To stimulate the economy, the budget funds semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other fields, with 100 billion yen earmarked for domestic chipmaking venture Rapidus Corp.

Interest payments and other debt servicing costs also hit a record 28.22 trillion yen, reflecting rising long-term interest rates as the Bank of Japan looks to further tighten monetary policy.

"Strengthening defense capabilities is something we are actively working on," Mr. Ishiba said at an event organized by the Yomiuri newspaper on December 26.

"Now, no matter how great our tanks or military vehicles are, it's useless if we don't have enough people to move them," he added.

Another challenge facing Japan is its ageing population, fuelled by a persistently low birth rate and a cautious approach to immigration, according to AFP. Japan is one of the world's most elderly societies, with the proportion of people aged 65 and over hitting a record high of 29.3% this year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhat-ban-thong-qua-ngan-sach-ky-luc-giua-moi-truong-an-ninh-phuc-tap-185241227113025053.htm