Japan's PM Takaichi Vows Strong Defense Amid China Tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced plans to enhance Japan's defense strategy in response to increasing Chinese pressures. In her recent parliamentary address, she pledged defense spending increases, military policy overhauls, and strengthened economic measures to ensure national security.

Sanae Takaichi, the Japanese Prime Minister, in her first post-election address to parliament, highlighted increasing Chinese 'coercion' as a pressing concern. She advocated for an overhauled defense strategy, relaxed military export restrictions, and reinforced vital supply chains to counter perceived threats from China.

Her tenure has seen heightened diplomatic tensions with China, particularly after suggesting military intervention if Taiwan is attacked, posing risks to Japanese territories. Takaichi's approach aims at mitigating economic and security threats from China and its allies, aided by her party's recent electoral gains.

Besides military reforms, she proposed economic measures, like a Japanese equivalent of the U.S. CFIUS, to monitor foreign investments in sensitive areas. Further, she committed to reducing reliance on specific nations for crucial resources and accelerating nuclear plant restarts to ensure energy security.

(With inputs from agencies.)