Core Points - The Japanese government has approved a supplementary budget for the fiscal year 2025, increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP, raising concerns across various sectors [1][6] - The total defense-related expenses for fiscal year 2025 will reach approximately 11 trillion yen (about 498.3 billion RMB), including an initial budget of over 9.9 trillion yen [1][4] Group 1: Defense Budget Details - The supplementary budget allocates 847.2 billion yen for the purchase of naval vessels, including two "Maya" class destroyers and four "Taigei" class submarines [2] - The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force plans to construct 12 "Maya" class destroyers from 2024 to 2028, with upgrades for two existing destroyers funded separately [2] - The total defense-related budget, including missile procurement and other security-related expenditures, exceeds 1 trillion yen [3] Group 2: Historical Context and Policy Changes - Japan's post-World War II defense policy has historically adhered to a "self-defense" principle, with a self-imposed limit of 1% of GNP for defense spending established in 1976 [5] - The limit was theoretically lifted in 1987 but remained a practical constraint for two decades due to domestic opposition [5] - The U.S. has pressured Japan to increase military spending to share the burden of global military responsibilities, aligning with the ambitions of Japan's hawkish political factions [5][6] Group 3: Recent Developments and Public Sentiment - The current government aims to achieve a defense spending ratio of over 2% by fiscal year 2027, a target accelerated to be met within the current fiscal year [8] - The rapid increase in defense spending has been influenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which has shifted public sentiment towards supporting military expansion [7][8] - Critics argue that the rising defense budget, exceeding 10 trillion yen, poses a heavy burden on the economy and neglects public welfare [9]