Japan OKs $56bn military budget, to build Patriot Missiles for US

Japan's Cabinet approves a record 16% increase in military spending next year, easing the ban on lethal weapons exports. The move reflects a shift away from Japan's self-defence-only principle. The 2024 fiscal year will see the deployment of long-range cruise missiles capable of hitting targets in China or North Korea. The 7.95 trillion-yen ($56 billion) defence budget is part of a 112.7 trillion-yen ($794 billion) national budget that still requires parliamentary approval. In addition, Japan has allowed the export of weapons and components made in Japan under foreign licenses.