Japan's Record Defense Budget in Line with Its Sought Role: IISS

London, Feb. 19 (Jiji Press)--Japan's rising defense spending reflects Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to expand the country's regional security role, a British think tank pointed out in a recent report. The International Institute for Strategic Studies report followed the Japanese government's submission of a budget bill for fiscal 2015, starting in April, that includes a record 4.98 trillion yen for defense outlays. Behind the budget increase is Japan's recognition of the changing security environment surrounding the country, such as China's expanding military activity and North Korea's missile tests, the IISS noted. Japan may hope to further strengthen its defense capabilities if it remains skeptical about U.S. commitment under the bilateral security alliance, it projected. END