Japan’s new leader vows to further bolster defense buildup and spending amid regional tensions
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her first major policy speech on Friday, pledged to further accelerate Japan’s military buildup and spending and complete an early upgrade of the country’s security strategy, The Associated Press reported.
Takaichi expressed “grave concern” over “military activities and other actions” from China, North Korea and Russia.
Takaichi took office Tuesday after being elected Japan’s first female leader.
Takaichi said Friday her government will hit an annual military spending target of 2% of gross domestic product by March, instead of by 2027 under the initial plan. She will revise the security strategy early and have it ready by the end of 2026, she said. Japan used to revise its strategy about once a decade, the last time in December 2022, according to The Associated Press.
Japan will upgrade its strategy early due to a change in the security environment, including “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Middle East conflict”, she said, according to The Associated Press.
“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 her speech at parliament. “In the region around Japan, military activities and other actions from our neighbors China, North Korea and Russia are causing grave concerns.”
“Japan needs to proactively push for its fundamental buildup of its defense power,” she said.
Her pledge Friday comes days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s Oct. 27-29 visit to Tokyo for a summit.
Takaichi said she plans to discuss with Trump further strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance while fostering the two sides’ personal relationship based on trust.
She noted that Japan needs to establish a constructive and stable relationship with China, but that there are “security concerns” between the two sides.