Tokyo, Oct 25 – Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, spoke to Parliament on Friday, outlining her plans for a tougher defence policy and a shift in diplomatic priorities.
Takaichi said Japan will raise its defence spending to 2 % of GDP by next March, two years earlier than planned. She also announced a rewrite of the National Security Strategy and two other key defence documents by the end of 2026. Her goal: a stronger military that can keep pace with regional tensions.
The prime minister called the U.S. alliance the “cornerstone” of Japan’s security strategy. She plans to deepen talks with South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and India while pushing for a “free and open Indo‑Pacific.” She described China as an “important neighbour” that Japan must work with constructively, but also warned of growing security concerns between the two countries.
Economically, Takaichi promised responsible spending, boosting sectors like artificial intelligence and expanding subsidies for energy and local communities to ease costs for middle‑ and low‑income households.
On immigration policy, the 64‑year‑old said her government will tighten rules on foreign land purchases and enforce stricter regulations to keep the community safe and orderly.
The speech came after Takaichi was elected on Tuesday, making her Japan’s first female prime minister. Major newspapers immediately weighed in.
* The Asahi Shimbun said her rhetoric in security, diplomacy, and immigration is “strongly hawkish” and could steer Japan away from its postwar pacifist path.
* The Nikkei warned that increased defence spending will require careful debate in Parliament.
* The Mainichi urged that focusing only on security could alarm neighbours, and stressed the need for ongoing dialogue to preserve peace.
Takaichi’s speech sets the stage for a new era in Japanese politics, with a sharper focus on defence and a potentially more assertive foreign policy.
Source: ianslive
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