Overview
- In her first policy address to parliament on Friday, Sanae Takaichi advanced Japan's defense-spending goal to reach 2% of GDP by March, two years earlier than planned.
- Takaichi said she aims to build a trustful relationship with President Trump during his visit to Japan next week to lift bilateral ties to new levels.
- She described military activities by China, North Korea, and Russia as a serious problem disrupting the regional order.
- Her government plans deeper coordination with South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and India to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- On domestic policy, she said Japan needs foreign workers to ease labor shortages while pledging a firm response to illegal activities by some foreigners.