Tokyo, Oct 24 (AP) – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered her inaugural major policy speech on Friday, emphasizing a commitment to accelerate Japan’s military buildup and spending amidst escalating tensions with China, North Korea, and Russia.

Takaichi, who assumed office on Tuesday as Japan’s first female leader, stepped into a political landscape marked by instability following her party’s recent electoral defeats, which resulted in the ruling coalition losing its majority in both houses of parliament.

In her address, Takaichi announced that her government aims to achieve an annual military spending target of 2 percent of gross domestic product by March, advancing the timeline from an original goal set for 2027. Additionally, she plans to revise Japan’s security strategy by the end of 2026, a significant shift from the previous practice of revising the strategy approximately once every decade, with the last update occurring in December 2022.

The decision to expedite the security strategy update is attributed to evolving security challenges, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Takaichi stated, “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.” She expressed concerns over military activities from neighboring countries, asserting that Japan must proactively enhance its defense capabilities.

This announcement precedes U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo from October 27-29 for a summit, where Takaichi is expected to face demands for increased Japanese defense spending and additional purchases of American military equipment. The upcoming meeting represents a significant diplomatic challenge, coinciding with two regional summits.

Takaichi expressed her intention to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance while fostering a trusting personal relationship with Trump. She acknowledged the necessity of establishing a constructive relationship with China, despite existing security concerns.

Experts caution that Takaichi’s hawkish stance and her history of visiting Yasukuni Shrine—viewed by some as a lack of remorse for Japan’s wartime actions—could complicate relations with Beijing.

The anticipated revision of Japan’s security strategy may lead to expanded military roles for the Self-Defense Forces, a relaxation of arms export restrictions, and increased military expenditure, although details on funding remain unspecified. Achieving these objectives will require cooperation from opposition parties, given her minority government status.

Domestically, Takaichi faces the immediate challenge of addressing rising prices and stagnant wages while regaining support from conservative factions. The new ruling alliance between her Liberal Democratic Party and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party has raised concerns regarding a potential rightward shift in Japan’s political landscape.

Takaichi highlighted the need for foreign workers to address labor shortages due to Japan’s aging and declining population, emphasizing compliance with regulations. She stated, “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.” To address these issues, she has tasked Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda with enhancing regulations on foreigners in Japan and exploring potential restrictions on land purchases by foreign nationals, particularly those from China.

This approach resonates with segments of the Japanese population influenced by the far-right Sanseito party’s “Japanese First” platform, amid a notable increase in the foreign workforce necessary to support Japan’s shrinking labor pool. Government data indicate that crime rates among foreigners in Japan have decreased, even as their numbers have risen.