Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vowed to accelerate defense spending and introduce sweeping economic reforms while stressing the importance of stable relations with China in her first policy address to parliament on Friday, Anadolu Ajansı reported.
What Are Japan’s New Defense Priorities?
Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to raise defense spending to 2 percent of gross domestic product by March 2026. The move would mark a significant step toward the military modernization goals outlined in Japan’s 2022 National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Buildup Program, documents that signaled a departure from the country’s post-war defense policy.
Previously, Japan said it would spend around $70 billion on defense in the current fiscal year, equivalent to about 1.8 percent of GDP. According to the prime minister, the country needs to proactively strengthen its defense capabilities to respond to changes in the security environment.
How Will Japan Manage Relations With China?
While pledging to bolster Japan’s defense, Takaichi called China an “important neighbor,” saying her administration would seek “constructive and stable” ties with Beijing. She underscored Tokyo’s intention to maintain a “strategic and mutually beneficial” relationship.
China, however, reacted sharply to Japan’s renewed defense commitments. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Tokyo’s growing military budget and relaxed export rules for weapons have raised doubts among Asian neighbors about its long-term intentions.
“Japan has significantly adjusted its security policy in recent years, continuously increased its defense budget year by year, relaxed restrictions on weapons exports, and sought breakthrough military capabilities,” said Guo. “This cannot but raise serious doubts among Asian neighbors and the international community about whether Japan is genuinely committed to ‘exclusively defense-oriented policy’ and peaceful development.”
How Is Japan Strengthening Regional Security Partnerships?
Takaichi also emphasized the enduring importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, describing it as the “cornerstone” of Tokyo’s security and foreign policy, and noted plans to deepen cooperation with South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and India to advance a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Japan on Monday for talks with the prime minister.