Japan looks to triple army and boost defence budget

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Updated June 22, 2009 19:24:34

A draft of Japan's new mid-term defence policy guidelines is calling for an increase in military personnel and equipment upgrade in the face of growing regional tensions. The Kyodo news agency, which has obtained a copy, says the draft recommends Japan reverses its policy of reducing its defence budget in response to North Korea's recent nuclear and missile tests and China's rise as a major military power.

Presenter: Sen Lam, presenter of Radio Australia's Connect Asia programme
Speaker: Emeritus professor Takashi Inoguchi, political scientist, Tokyo University

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