Japan’s biggest defense budget ever is built for a China showdown

Japan’s Cabinet on Friday approved a record defense budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) to acquire stronger strike-back capabilities, coastal defense, and unmanned warfare. The plan follows Japan’s commitment to double its defense budget to 2% of gross domestic product, as part of a five-year military expansion program to counter China. Japanese leaders have, for long, warned that any conflict in the Taiwan Strait could directly affect Japan’s security. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has previously said Japan could become involved if China were to take military action against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. New cruise…