Japan—Government Plans Major Boost In Spending For U.S. Forces

The Japanese government plans a record increase in its budget covering some of the costs of hosting U.S. forces, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (Tokyo). Plans call for a US$434 million boost in fiscal 2022 as part of the cost-sharing agreement with the U.S., said a Japanese government official. The increase is meant to demonstrate Japan’s commitment to its alliance with the U.S. in the face of rising Chinese military capabilities and bolster national defenses, said the source. In...