![\"Russian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/skynews-vladimir-putin-xi-jinping_7060530.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJapanese 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Image:
\n Russian President Vladimir Putin, from left, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September. Pic: AP<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“In the region around Japan, military activities and other actions from our neighbours China, North Korea and Russia are causing grave concerns.<\/p>\n
“Japan needs to proactively push for its fundamental build-up of its defence power.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
![\"Sanae](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/skynews-sanae-takaichi-japan_7060535.jpg\")
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Image:
\n Sanae Takaichi reacts as she receives applause after being elected as prime minister. Pic: Reuters<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ms Takaichi added her country needs to establish a constructive and stable relationship with China, but there are “security concerns” between the two.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On the home front, Ms Takaichi’s immediate concerns are to address the rising prices and stagnant salaries.<\/p>\n
Ms Takaichi said foreign workers are needed in Japan to make up for a national labour shortage.<\/p>\n
Read More: Japan has a rapidly ageing and declining population, which has resulted in a record increase in foreigners.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “The government will respond decisively to these activities. It’s not xenophobia.”<\/p>\n
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