TOKYO — Japan has adopted new defence guidelines that include plans for its first aircraft carrier and increases in defence spending and arms capability in coming years, citing the need to counter potential threats from North Korea and China.
The defence plan was approved Tuesday by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet along with a record 27 trillion yen ($240 billion) five-year defence spending from April 2019.
The plans call for refitting an existing helicopter carrier into a ship that can deploy F-35B stealth fighters.
Defence officials say Japan needs higher deterrence and increased missile defence and fighter capability to cope with potential threats amid regional tensions.
Critics say possession of an aircraft carrier would give Japan a strike capability in violation to the country’s pacifist constitution.
Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press
