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Defense & Security Intelligence

2026-01-25 06:02 UTC
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Japan

353 articles • Page 2 of 8

Japan on track to become world’s third-largest defence spender
Japan is set to increase its defense expenditure significantly, which includes a record budget and an expansion of missile and drone programs. This marks a notable shift in Japan's security posture to...
Japan’s Cabinet OKs record defense budget that aims to deter China
The Japanese government has approved a defense budget for fiscal year 2026 which amounts to an increase of 9.4% compared to the previous fiscal year, solidifying Japan's commitment towards enhancing i...
Japan’s Long Return to Artificial Intelligence
Japan, previously a leader in machine learning, is restarting its efforts in artificial intelligence to bolster economic resilience and maintain technological relevance....
Japan Accelerates Defense Buildup With Record Budget and Expanded Unmanned Capabilities
Japan is set to increase its defense budget for the twelfth consecutive year, responding to growing security challenges in the region and pressure from U.S. alliance requirements. The new draft includ...
Japan passes largest-ever defense budget
Japan's cabinet has approved a record-high defense budget of over ¥9 trillion ($58 billion) for the next fiscal year, marking an increase of 9.4% from the current fiscal period. The move highlights To...
Japan responds to China with unprecedented number of F-2 Fighters with anti-ship missiles
In December 2025, Japan deployed an unusual number of JASDF F-2 fighter aircraft equipped with 64 anti-ship missiles in response to Chinese naval activity near Japanese waters. This deployment was obs...
Takaichi’s Cabinet proposes record spending in next fiscal year
Japan's Takaichi-led Cabinet has proposed a record budget ahead of parliamentary approval scheduled for early next year....
Top Stories 2025: International Naval Acquisition
In 2025, Australia chose the Japanese Mogami-class frigate for its future naval requirements in a landmark agreement, underscoring Japan's expanding arms export activities. This selection will fulfill...
China sharpens criticism of Japan’s ‘neo-militarism’, warns of ‘dangerous signal’
Chinese state media have intensified their critique of Japan's alleged resumption of militaristic tendencies since the end of WWII. The People’s Daily, a platform for the Communist Party, argues that ...
How will Takaichi balance ties with the DPP and JIP?
Shinzō Abe's successor as Japan's prime minister faces challenges in maintaining trust between his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner....
Tokyo, AUSMIN, AUKUS meetings: views from ASPI analysts
Defence Minister Richard Marles visited Tokyo to meet with Japan’s new Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi amid a period of increased defense diplomacy called 'doubling down on friends'. This visit incl...
Japan and US Deepen Military Connections Against China
The article discusses escalating military collaborations between Japan and the United States to counterbalance rising Chinese assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. This includes joint exercises, a...
Full Text of Speech by Japanese PM Abe at Pearl Harbor
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a speech at Pearl Harbor, marking a significant moment in Japan-US relations. The address emphasized historical reconciliation and the strengthening of bil...
Normalising disinformation: China shifts to overt operations against Japan
Chinese state media and diplomatic social channels escalated efforts to undermine Japan's reputation as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific region during 2025, according to reports by Japan Nexus I...
SoftBank lifts OpenAI stake to 11% with $41 billion investment
Japanese conglomerate SoftBank has increased its financial commitment to AI research organization OpenAI by completing the second tranche of a planned $40 billion investment, bringing it up to $22.5 b...
Japan takes step closer to unmanned warships
On December 19, 2025, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, Yohei Wakabayashi, visited the Ship Equipment Research Institute to inspect testing facilities. The...
Australia and Japan should secure the sea lanes that could decide the next war
The article suggests that Australia and Japan share responsibility for securing vital sea lines of communication (SLOC) in the Pacific Ocean. This proposal aims to enhance cooperation between the two ...
Evening recap
The article summarizes key developments from Gaza over recent days, highlighting ongoing ceasefire violations by Israeli forces resulting in deaths and injuries of Palestinians. It also mentions sever...
Qatar joins US 'Pax Silica' as it races to catch up with Gulf neighbours on AI
Qatar has joined the US-led 'Pax Silica' program aimed at securing artificial intelligence (AI) and chip supply chains. The move underscores its commitment to invest in advanced technology and align c...
Record World Leaders Head to Davos for 2026 WEF Summit
The 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland, is expected to attract an unprecedented number of world leaders and influential personalities. The event promises discussions on a bro...
Takaichi and South Korea’s Lee to take ties to ‘new heights’ amid Japan-China rift
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's successor Shinjuro Koizumi (known as Takaichi) and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation focusing on economic securi...
How a snap election in Japan could put Sanae Takaichi in a stronger position with China
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan may call an early election due to her high approval ratings. This move could strengthen her position vis-a-vis both China and the United States, though diplomati...
Japan’s Takaichi tipped for snap election gamble as poll ratings soar
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's rising popularity may lead her to call a general election to strengthen the Liberal Democratic Party-led government. She is working on tackling rising prices a...
China Hails India Overtaking Japan As World’s 4th Largest Economy
India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of $4.18 trillion, according to recent government announcements. This achievement sets India on track to potentially ...
Astros reportedly reach deal with former Seibu ace Tatsuya Imai
The Houston Astros have reportedly signed Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai from the Seibu Lions to a three-year contract valued at $54 million with an option that could increase the total value up to $63...
BIG: India Overtakes Japan To Become World’s 4th Largest Economy
India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy based on nominal GDP at $4.18 trillion, according to government data. The projections forecast India will overtake Germany to tak...
Japan Approves Record Defense Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
The Japanese cabinet approved a defense budget of $58 billion (9.04 trillion yen) for fiscal year 2026, marking a 3.8% increase from the current year's budget in response to military threats from nucl...
The Asian danger from Trump’s spheres-of-interest approach
Asian nations like Japan and South Korea were relatively spared in the US National Security Strategy published on December 5th compared to European allies. The strategy did not attack or warn these co...
More than 500 settlers storm Al Aqsa Mosque
Israeli settlers, protected by Israeli police and soldiers, stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Thursday. Wafa news agency reported that approximately 568 settlers entered th...
Trump’s Week in Asia: Gifts, Deals, and Submarines
U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea for summits including ASEAN and APEC. Meetings focused on trade deals, security alliances, and political issues with several As...
Companies delisted from TSE to hit record high in 2025
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) is projected to see 125 companies delisted this year, marking the highest number since the stock market consolidation between TSE and the Osaka Securities Exchange in 20...
Japan confirms 2035 target for next-generation fighter
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has confirmed its next-generation fighter aircraft program's progress and budget planning, aiming for the year 2035. Japan is collaborating closely with the United Kin...
Nikkei 225 breaks 54,000 as ‘Takaichi trade’ dominates for another day
The Nikkei 225 has surpassed the psychological milestone of 54,000, driven by ongoing expectations surrounding Yoshihiko Noda's successor Toshimitsu Motegi and subsequent policymakers. Ten-year Japane...
US Attack on Venezuela Exposes Japan's Remilitarization Agenda
The article discusses how U.S. military action against Venezuela highlights Japan’s increasing remilitarization efforts. It suggests that under the pretext of international security concerns, Japan is...
U.S. to push for quicker action in reducing reliance on China for rare earths
The U.S. aims to spur G7 nations into reducing their dependency on China for critical minerals, following Japan's lead after a 2010 supply disruption by China....
Takaichi and Lee set for talks on cementing ties as China-Japan dispute simmers
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet Secretary Masahiro Koizumi and South Korean National Security Advisor Suh Hoon are to hold discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations betwee...
China plays rare-earth card on Japan, but keeps it subtle
China has reportedly restricted the export of rare earth elements and magnets to Japan as pressure for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract her support for Taiwan. However, China is exercising cau...
How the Bombing of Hiroshima Was Covered Up
A new documentary uncovers how the press collaborated with the US government to suppress and control information about the bombing of Hiroshima....
Why talk of a Japanese nuclear option is resurfacing – and why it alarms critics
An editorial in Sankei Shimbun has reignited debate on whether Japan should discuss acquiring nuclear weapons due to increasing threats from neighbors. This stance, which some on the right support, fa...
Takaichi vows to press ahead with reforms in New Year's message
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso (incorrectly referred as Takaichi in the statement above), delivering his New Year's address, emphasized a commitment to continue implementing reforms. He acknowledged...
India-Japan strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific
The strategic partnership between India and Japan within the Indo-Pacific region has become an established reference point in discussions about regional stability and democratic influence. The article...
Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher amid China feud. Can her popularity last?
Sanae Takaichi, prime minister of Japan since October, has surpassed initial expectations of a short premiership and attracted back voters from the Liberal Democratic Party and far-right groups due to...
Ten countries warn Israel’s Gaza blockade is worsening as winter deepens
Foreign ministers from ten countries expressed alarm over worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza as winter arrives. The statement highlighted inadequate shelter for 1.3 million people and insuffici...
Japan unlocks €47.7 million for Ukrainian demining and energy restoration
The Japanese parliament has approved €47.7 million in budget for Ukraine's fifth phase of emergency assistance, aimed at supporting demining operations, repairs to the energy sector, and restoration o...
How Japan’s space industry can regain thrust after H3 rocket failure
Japan's space program faces criticism and scrutiny following the failure of its new flagship rocket, the H3. Local media have dubbed this a 'significant setback', questioning whether the traditionally...
Safety fears as Japan prepares to restart nuclear plant ‘built on tofu’
Anti-nuclear campaigners have criticized Japan for planning to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant in Niigata Prefecture, arguing that it lacks stability due to its construction on soil consi...
Japan protests South Korean military drills near Takeshima
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially protested South Korea’s military exercises near the disputed Takeshima islands after reports of activities conducted by South Korean forces earlier t...
Now Australia must adjust to a hardening Japanese stance on Taiwan
Japan recently declared that any conflict over Taiwan could pose a threat to its national survival, marking a significant shift from post-war norms. This statement impacts the strategic dynamics betwe...
Why Japan is right to restart its nuclear reactors
Japan's decision to restart nuclear reactors reflects a strategic shift aimed at improving economic resilience, enhancing energy security, and advancing decarbonization goals in response to recent GDP...
CDP and Komeito agree to create new centrist force, but questions remain
The CDP and Komeito are working towards establishing a broad centrist political force in Japan ahead of potential snap elections. However, they have not finalized all the specifics regarding their col...
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