Sanae Takaichi Vows Defense Overhaul Amid China Challenges

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warns of escalating Chinese coercion and pledges to enhance Japan's defense strategy. She plans to ease military export restrictions and fortify supply chains amid threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. Takaichi also intends to establish a national intelligence council and review foreign investments.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her inaugural speech post-election, issued a stark warning regarding China's augmenting 'coercion.' She committed to revamping Japan's defense strategy, loosening military export constraints, and fortifying crucial supply chains. Takaichi's administration, now bolstered by a commanding parliamentary majority, confronts growing economic and security threats from China and its allies.

Takaichi pointed out Japan's complex security climate, the most severe since World War Two, citing China's expanding military maneuvers and North Korea's advancing missile capabilities. To counter these, her government plans to revise cornerstone security documents and catalyze policy shifts regarding military exports, potentially expanding Japan's global defense market.

Alongside a significant military buildup initiated in 2023, focusing on increasing Japan's defense budget, Takaichi proposed establishing a national intelligence council. This, along with a new committee akin to the U.S. CFIUS, aims to scrutinize sensitive foreign investments. Additionally, plans to restart reactors and secure critical materials underscore her broader strategy to diminish reliance on specific countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)