New Japan defense chief calls 2% spending target 'inappropriate'

Iwaya says substantial increase needed, but opposes following NATO guideline

20181004N Japan SDF (Reuters)

Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel march alongside a Patriot missile unit at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo. Anti-missile capabilities have factored into the country's rising defense spending.

MASAYA KATO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan's new defense minister on Thursday said the country needs to spend more on defense but denied that it would aim for a target of 2% of gross domestic product amid U.S. pressure on allies to buy more American weapons.

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