Japan's Defense Ministry may request another record budget of 5.4 trillion yen

defence ministry of Japan intends to request a budget of 5.4 trillion yen, that is 51.7 billion USD, for fiscal year 2021, Kyodo news ncy reported citing military sources. ministry is headed by buo Kishi, who was elected as a part of Yoshisde Suga’s cabinet and would make request by end of September. next fiscal year in Japan would begin in April next year.

According to ANI, funds, in particular, would be allocated to formation of a special unit specializing in electronic warfare in addition to development of fighter jets to replace Mitsubishi F-2 fighters. country's defence budget shown growth for  eighth consecutive year, reaching 5.3 trillion yen for current fiscal year.

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Suga, Trump hold talks

This comes as newly appointed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga held his first talks with US President Donald Trump since he took office, a diplomatic phone call that was one of his first as country’s leader and one that highlights close tie between two allies. Suga was elected as Japan’s new prime minister on September 16, replacing Shinzo Abe, who forged close personal ties and regularly held meetings and phone calls with Trump. Suga’s cabinet comprises of 20 members and 15 out of those held portfolios during Abe’s administration. A tweet from Japanese Prime Minister’s office also stated that Suga, in addition to tackling bureaucratic sectionalism, will also w a war against "vested interests and torious habit of always following precedent".

As per reports, two leaders spoke for about 25 minutes over phone and after conversation, Suga informed Japanese media that he had told Trump that US-Japan alliance was ‘cornerstone of peace in region’. He also added that US President wished for stronger bi-lateral relations and that he urged Suga to call him anytime. two leaders also reportedly discussed situation in rth Korea, COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine projects.

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Im credits: AP