Japan’s government is portraying its accelerating military buildup not only as a way to protect the country but as a route to greater prosperity, arguing in its latest defence white paper that arms production can support economic growth.

Tensions are rising in the Pacific region as distrust among key players sees one country undertake a drastic push to rearm.

Japan's government promotes its military expansion as a path to economic growth. The defense white paper advocates for technology and startup funding in arms production. This…