Japan will decide its defense spending on its own, based on the prevailing security environment.

"Japan will decide its defense spending on its own, based on the prevailing security environment."

A statement believed by no one including the speaker, Mr Ishiba, himself.

I doubt the big US industrial military complex in Washington will give this kind of authority to the Premier of Japan. Most likely they will continue the current manipulation of narrative against China, inciting tensions in the Asian continent, and preparing for the next conflict. Too much money at stake in Wall Street.

A reminder that under the defense strategy, Japan aims to eventually double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen ($63 billion), making it the world’s No. 3 military spender after the United States and China.

Thankyou Fos...more enlightened comments are to be welcomed.

A reminder that under the defense strategy, Japan aims to eventually double its annual military spending to around 10 trillion yen ($63 billion), making it the world’s No. 3 military spender after the United States and China.

That's all very well, but can Japan afford it?

Oops, there was an overdose of self confidence in his morning coffee. What if the security environment changes, maybe very quickly or even suddenly? Then it's maybe too late for any defense capabilities and the delivery chain maybe also is somehow interrupted after such kind of statement.