Japan to scrap 1% GDP cap on defense spending: Minister Kishi

Chinese incursions in Senkakus require 'radically different' budget approach

20210519N kishi interview

Japan must increase defense capabilities at a radically different pace, says Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi. (Photo by Tetsuya Kitayama)

JUNNOSUKE KOBARA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan does not decide its defense budget worrying about its size relative to GDP, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi told Nikkei in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

“We must increase our defense capabilities at a radically different pace than in the past,” considering China’s increased capabilities, as well as new areas of warfare such as space, cyber and electromagnetics, Kishi said. 

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