Five government officials said Japan is weighing an expanded definition of
“security-related” spending to increase reported defense outlays amid U.S.
pressure and tight public finances. Officials are examining whether AI,
satellites, R&D and infrastructure — including ports and rail — can be
classified as defense-related costs. The move aims to help push Japan’s defense
spending toward 3.5% of GDP, the target the U.S. has urged allies to reach. One
official said the key question is how much spending can be counted as
"defense-related."
