Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she would increase the country’s military spending as tensions rise with China, North Korea and Russia.
In her first major policy speech since taking office on Tuesday, Japan’s first female leader said the government would increase military spending to 2% of Tokyo’s gross domestic product by March – a target previously set for 2027.
Takaichi said, “The free, open and stable international order to which we are accustomed is being violently shaken by historic shifts in the balance of power and increasing geopolitical competitions.”
“In the region around Japan, military activities and other activities by our neighbors China, North Korea, and Russia are raising serious concerns.”
He also called for tighter security cooperation with Taiwan.
American cooperation discussed
Friday’s speech comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Japan next week.
Takaichi is expected to face pressure from Trump to further increase defense spending and buy more American-made weapons.
She said she planned to discuss strengthening the Japan-US alliance, aiming to take it to “new heights”.
In his speech, Takachi also promised to elevate Japan’s relations with the United States, stressing the importance of building a “relationship of trust” during Trump’s visit.
During his Asia trip, Trump is also scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea and visit Malaysia.
Takaichi said Japan needs to establish constructive and stable relations with China, but there are “security concerns” between the two sides.
Edited by: Louis Olofse