Japan’s Defense Ministry has requested a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for the upcoming year, aimed at enhancing deterrence in the face of growing Chinese threats in the region. This hefty investment, driven by a five-year military buildup plan, reflects Japan’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities, particularly in the areas of unmanned weapons and AI, as it grapples with a shrinking workforce and declining servicemember numbers.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, asserted that the country remains committed to bolstering its military capabilities in response to frequent military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea. She condemned these exercises as having deteriorated inter-Korean relations and likened the regional tension to a dangerous fuse. Kim Yo Jong emphasized North Korea’s determination to defend its sovereignty and security through its military power.
In response to the recent display of military might by North Korea, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged his armed forces to maintain a high level of readiness. The North Korean government defended its missile exercise as a legitimate act of self-defense, while the United States and its allies condemned it. Amidst these tensions, South Korea’s national police agency reported cyberattacks linked to North Korea targeting defense companies, resulting in the theft of sensitive technical data.
