Japan doubling defense spending 'a good idea': Armitage

Nye warns abandoning strategic ambiguity on Taiwan would stir 'hornet's nest'

Former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said China is scoring an "own goal" with its Taiwan policy, pushing countries to rally around the island. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense)

Nikkei staff writers

October 23, 2021 07:15 JST

TOKYO -- As tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait, the fact that there is discussion in Japan to significantly boost defense spending is "healthy" and a "very good idea," veterans of the U.S. foreign policy and defense community said in a virtual event Friday.