Beijing slams Japan's record defense budget for next year

The Japanese cabinet today approved a record draft defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen amid escalating diplomatic strains with China.

The budget for the coming fiscal year starting April has exceeded the current year by 9.4 percent.

The full-year spending plan, the first under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aims to fortify strike-back capability and coastal defense with cruise missiles and unmanned arsenals.

China's Foreign Ministry said the plan unveils the "sinister intensions" of Japan's right-wing forces to push for re-militarism.

A spokesman warned any improper act by Japan that undermines China's sovereignty, security, and development interests would elicit a solemn response.

In Tokyo, rallies were held outside the ruling party's headquarters and the National Diet building as protesters called for a complete ban on Japan's weapons export.

Participants raised concerns over the prime minister's erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan as well as voices for possessing nuclear weapons.