9万亿！再创新高！日本刚刚批准防卫预算！

Core Viewpoint - Japan's government has approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen for the fiscal year 2026, indicating a significant shift in its defense strategy towards "proactive deterrence" and enhancing its military capabilities, which may impact regional security dynamics [1][2][3]. Group 1: Defense Budget Details - The approved defense budget for fiscal year 2026 is over 9 trillion yen, marking a continuous increase in Japan's defense spending, which has surpassed 6 trillion, 7 trillion, and 8 trillion yen in previous years [2]. - The budget will fund the acquisition of long-range missiles and the development of a coastal defense system centered around attack drones, with an investment of approximately 100.1 billion yen for the latter [2]. - Japan plans to increase its total defense spending to about 43 trillion yen from 2023 to 2027, as outlined in the new "security three documents" approved in late 2022 [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - Experts suggest that the increase in defense spending signifies a transformation in Japan's military posture from "defensive" to "proactive deterrence," potentially redefining its post-war military identity and affecting regional security [3]. - Japan is also pursuing the development of nuclear-powered submarines, with plans to advance to the next generation of propulsion systems and possibly acquire nuclear submarines to enhance its defense capabilities [3]. - The country is collaborating with the UK and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet, with an investment of over 160 billion yen planned for this initiative, expected to be deployed by 2035 [3]. Group 3: Domestic and International Reactions - The increase in defense spending has raised concerns among various sectors in Japan, with public protests against military expansion and warnings from scholars about the economic burden on ordinary citizens [4][5]. - The Chinese Foreign Ministry has criticized Japan's military expansion, suggesting it reflects a dangerous trend towards militarism and a departure from its historically peaceful development path [4][5].