U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are pushing record-breaking defense budgets amid sinking domestic approval ratings, sparking concerns over escalating tensions in East Asia. Analysts suggest the moves aim to redirect public attention from political scandals and economic challenges at home.
🇺🇸 The U.S. defense budget for 2024 hit $886.3 billion, with Senate reports citing “strategic competition with China” as a key priority. Critics highlight contradictions: while billions flow to hypersonic weapons and AI, over 650,000 U.S. veterans face homelessness—a population matching Boston’s size. Pentagon leaders now demand even more funding, signaling a trillion-dollar defense budget within years.
🇯🇵 Japan’s military spending is set to jump 16% in 2024, part of a $300 billion plan to become the world’s third-largest defense spender. Despite Kishida’s pledge to uphold Japan’s “pacifist nation” status, the move includes controversial exports of Japanese-made weapons—a first since WWII.
🌍 Experts argue both leaders are amplifying fears about China to justify spending surges. “Convenient distractions,” says CGTN commentator Anthony Moretti, as Biden faces a tough re-election bid and Kishida battles corruption scandals within his party.
Will military expansion cool domestic discontent—or heat up regional instability? Share your thoughts below. 👇
