Japan reportedly weighs counting energy and AI as defense spending

Reuters, in The Japan Times, reports that five government officials said Japan may count AI, satellites, research and infrastructure as defense-related spending. Nikkei Asia says energy and some development assistance could also be counted starting next fiscal year. Reuters says the aim is to move closer to a U.S.-urged target of 3.5% of GDP, while Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said no decisions had been made about spending levels or related expenditures.