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 spen

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.”