FOCUS: Japan SDF scandals likely to hit tax hike plan, int'l security ties

A series of scandals concerning the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Defense Ministry, which resulted in the resignation of Japan's top admiral on Friday, has dealt a blow to the government that plans to significantly increase national defense spending.The cases of misconduct have eroded public trust in the SDF, possibly further slowing the pace of tax hikes to finance the swelling defense costs and negatively affecting the nation's deepening security collaboration with foreign countries, scholars said.On July 12, the ministry announced disciplinary actions against 218 SDF members and seni…READ FULL ARTICLE