Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said in her first speech that defence is a priority for her country as the region experiences uncertainty with Russia, China and North Korea.
Japan’s first female leader, an admirer of conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher, took office on Tuesday, after being elected after months of political uncertainty.
Ms Takaichi said that her government will spend a target of 2% of the gross domestic product by March 2026, instead of by 2027 as was first proposed. Although details of how the increased defence measures would be funded were not given.
The early upgrade in its defence strategy in security has come as a result of the current situation with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
Ms Takaichi said: “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.
“In the region around Japan, military activities and other actions from our neighbours China, North Korea and Russia are causing grave concerns.
“Japan needs to proactively push for its fundamental build-up of its defence power.”
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This announcement comes days ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo for a summit between 27-29 October, where Ms Takaichi is expected to face demands, including a further increase in defence spending and more purchases of American weapons.
She said discussions with Mr Trump will include the strengthening of the Japan-US alliance while fostering the two sides’ personal relationship based on trust.
Ms Takaichi added her country needs to establish a constructive and stable relationship with China, but there are “security concerns” between the two.
Experts say her hawkish politics of wartime history, as well as her past regular visits to Yasukuni Shrine, which Asian victims of Japan’s colonial-era atrocities view as a lack of remorse, could undermine Tokyo’s relations with Beijing.
On the home front, Ms Takaichi’s immediate concerns are to address the rising prices and stagnant salaries.
Ms Takaichi said foreign workers are needed in Japan to make up for a national labour shortage.
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Japan has a rapidly ageing and declining population, which has resulted in a record increase in foreigners.
“It is a fact that unlawful activity and violation of rules by some foreigners are causing the sense of unease and unfairness among Japanese people,” Ms Takaichi said.
“The government will respond decisively to these activities. It’s not xenophobia.”
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Ms Takaichi appointed Kimi Onoda as the economic security minister in an attempt to increase rules for foreigners in Japan. This is to “enforce compliance” and possible regulations on the purchase of Japanese land by foreigners, many of whom are Chinese.
The move may appease some of the frustrated Japanese who are finding the far-right Sanseito party, “Japanese First”, an attractive alternative.
Crime rates among foreigners in Japan have fallen while their population has surged, according to government statistics.
