In Tokyo, the defence minister has taken aim at Beijing's growing military stockpile. Sources confirm that during a press conference, the minister described China's arsenal as 'huge' and expressed concern over its lack of transparency. The remarks come as Japan unveils its largest defence budget in history.
Uncovered documents show Tokyo is acquiring long-range cruise missiles and upgrading its destroyers. The minister insisted these moves are defensive and not a return to militarism. But critics argue Japan's pivot is fuelling an arms race.
Experts say the rhetoric is escalating tensions in the region. The minister's denial of militarism was met with scepticism. History shows that Japan's military build-ups have often preceded conflict.
The question remains: is this a genuine defensive shift or a cover for a more aggressive posture? The answer may lie in the fine print of the new defence agreements with Washington. I'll be following the money and the trajectories of those missiles.
Stay tuned.
