In 2023, East Asia's defense allocations surged by 6.2%, reaching an impressive $411 billion.
This increase reflects growing concerns over China's expanding influence and regional disputes.
The figure forms the bulk of Asia and Oceania's combined military spending of $595 billion, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Amid these financial inflows, military maneuvers marked the region. The U.S. engaged in naval and air exercises with the Philippines and South Korea, respectively.
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