Japan is departing from its post-war pacifist stance, driven by growing regional tensions and concerns about China's military buildup. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet has approved a landmark defense strategy that increases military spending to 2% of GDP, the highest level in decades. Japan will also acquire new capabilities, including long-range missiles, to deter and respond to potential threats. This shift marks a significant departure from Japan's previous reliance on the US for security and signals a new era of proactive military engagement in the region.
