Japan's defense budget grew to a record 8.70 trillion yen ($55 billion) for fiscal 2025, the government said Friday, as the country continues to enhance its capabilities to address regional threats amid China's rapid military buildup and North Korea's growing ties with Russia.The draft budget marked the 13th consecutive year of increase, surpassing the previous record of 7.9 trillion yen marked in the current year.The Cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba approved the same day a draft initial state budget for the year starting next April worth 115.54 trillion yen, also a record high, inc…READ FULL ARTICLE
