Japan’s cabinet approved a new $55.13 billion defense budget on Friday, marking the 13th consecutive year that Tokyo has increased defensing spending. The approval of the draft Fiscal Year 2025 budget of 8.

The Japanese Cabinet has approved a record 8.7 trillion yen ($55 billion) defense budget plan for 2025 as Japan accelerates building up its strike-back capability with long-range cruise missiles and starts deploying Tomahawks to further fortify the country against growing threat from China,

The Japanese Cabinet on Friday approved a record 8.7 trillion yen ($55 billion) defence budget for 2025 as Japan accelerates building up its strike-back capability with long-range cruise missiles and starts deploying Tomahawks to fortify itself against growing threats from China,

The Chinese government placed sanctions on seven companies on Friday in response to recent U.S. announcements of military sales and aid to Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory.

Taiwan aims to involve a range of people, including taxi drivers and security guards, to respond to emergencies.

The sanctions freeze any assets the targeted companies may hold in China and bar Chinese entities and individuals from conducting business with them.