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International relations

Japan bracing for heftier defense tab in Trump era

Fiscal challenges, public opposition make big increases unlikely

Self-Defense Forces aircraft at Naha Airport in Okinawa Prefecture. Disputes with Trump could revolve around the design of Japan's next-generation fighter jet.

TOKYO -- During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump often accused Japan of not paying its fair share of security costs for protection under America's military umbrella. Now Tokyo is facing the real prospect of having to spend more on defense to appease Trump.

"We are strengthening our military capabilities, and we plan to take on more roles that can be fulfilled independently," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told members of the upper house Wednesday.

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