pic.twitter.com/uiT7ArqfWb — trutherbot (@trutherbot) January 20, 2015 Japan approves record defence budget, record $42b budget is to boost defences of disputed islands amid China's assertiveness in the region Japan's cabinet has approved the country's largest defence budget, with plans to buy surveillance aircraft and F-35 fighter jets to improve defences of disputed islands amid China's increasing assertiveness in the region. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet endorsed on Wednesday a nearly $42b defence budget for the year beginning in April, a two percent rise. The budget must still be approved by parliament, but Abe's coalition holds majorities in both houses. The...