Tokyo, 26 December (LaPresse) – The Japanese government today approved a record defence budget plan worth over 9 trillion yen (£58 billion) for 2026, with the aim of strengthening its counterattack capabilities and coastal defence with cruise missiles and unmanned arsenals, given the increase in tensions in the region. The draft budget for fiscal year 2026, which begins in April, is up 9.4% from 2025 and marks the fourth year of Japan's five-year programme to double annual arms spending to 2% of gross domestic product. The increase comes at a time when Japan faces growing tensions with China. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that her country's military could intervene if China took action against Taiwan. Under pressure from the United States, Takaichi's government has committed to reaching the 2% target by March, two years ahead of schedule. Japan also plans to review its current security and defence policy by December 2026 to further strengthen its armed forces.