Japan's new defense strategy juggles multiple priorities

Stronger cybersecurity and missiles will take years to deploy

20221216N u.s. tomahawk missile
RYO NEMOTO and SHUNSUKE SHIGETA, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Japan's government has laid the groundwork for a major shift in defense policy that will take years to put in place, creating a test of political leaders' priorities.

Speaking to reporters Friday after his government approved a trio of defense-related plans, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan's capabilities will improve "in both quantity and quality." He mentioned new areas for Japan including counterstrike capability and cyberspace.

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