Japan's annual white paper on defense has incorporated the latest reinterpretation of its constitution granting the country the right to practice collective self-defense.

The paper, approved by the Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday, describes Japan's security environment as "increasingly difficult". Because of this, Tokyo said it is vital to bolster military capabilities on the ground, at sea and in the air.

Tensions with China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are cited as the reason to increase defense spending, with Tokyo accusing Beijing of flexing its muscles against Japan.