Japan to beef up military

The Japanese government has approved a record forty-four-billion dollar defence budget for the coming year.

The unprecedented sum will pave the way for the upgrading of a wide range of weapons and equipment.

One of the projects earmarked for the cash is the reorganisation of some of Japan's ground forces into specially-equipped anti-guerilla units.

There'll also funding for research in an effort to combat nuclear attack and cyber-terrorism.

Correspondents say some of the plans -- particularly any extension in the range of military aircraft - will worry Asian neighbours.

A defence-only constitution was imposed on Japan after the Second World War. The government has already authorised a special five-year plan designed to strengthen Japan's defence capabilities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service