The government Friday approved a record draft defense budget for fiscal 2020 totaling ¥5.31 trillion ($48.5 billion) as it seeks to strengthen the nation's defense capabilities in outer space and cyberspace.

The draft budget, including outlays linked to hosting U.S. military bases, is up 1.1 percent from fiscal 2019 to a record high for the sixth consecutive year as the country beefs up its ability to deal with North Korean missile and nuclear threats and China's growing maritime assertiveness.

The defense budget grew for the eighth straight year under the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.