Gov't panel wants Japan public to pay more for defense buildup

A government panel on Tuesday urged "the whole nation" to shoulder a heavier burden to build up the country's defense capabilities amid growing security challenges, effectively asking for tax hikes instead of new national bond issuances.In its proposal submitted to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the panel also upheld the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's contentious plan for Japan to acquire an enemy base strike capability, or a "counterstrike capability," as "essential" for enhancing Japan's deterrence.While highlighting the importance of "securing stable financial resources," the panel for…READ FULL ARTICLE