‘s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will bolster the country’s military spending as with China, North Korea and Russia.
In her first major policy speech Tuesday, Japan’s first female leader said the government will increase military spending to 2% of Tokyo’s gross domestic product by March—a goal previously set for 2027.
“The free, open and stable international order that we were accustomed to is violently shaken in the face of historic change of power balance and intensifying geopolitical competitions,” Takaichi said.
“In the region around Japan, military activities and other actions from our neighbors China, North Korea and Russia are causing grave concerns.”
She also called for tighter security cooperation with Taiwan.
US cooperation discussed
Friday’s speech comes ahead of US President ‘s planned visit to Japan next week.
Takaichi is expected to face pressure from Trump to further increase defense spending and purchase more American-made weapons.
She said she plans to discuss strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance, aiming to take it to “new heights.”
In her speech, Takaichi also promised to elevate Japan’s relationship with the United States, emphasizing the importance of building a “relationship of trust” during Trump’s visit.
During his trip to Asia, Trump is also scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea and visit Malaysia.
Takaichi noted that Japan needs to establish a constructive and stable relationship with China, but that there are “security concerns” between the two sides.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
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