Japan asks China to be open about its aims after defence spending hike

Japan's chief government spokesman on Friday urged China to be open about what it spends on its military and its security goals after Beijing announced a 6.6% increase in its annual defense budget.

"China continues to announce big defense spending increases and we urge it to be transparent about that spending, its military strength, and national defense policy," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a regular press briefing.