Tokyo: Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has warned that her country faces its most severe security environment since the Second World War, pledging sweeping reforms to strengthen national defence and economic security.
Speaking in parliament after assuming office, Takaichi cautioned against what she described as growing coercive behaviour by China and rising regional tensions. She said Japan must prepare for an increasingly complex security landscape shaped by disputes in the East China Sea, China and Russia’s closer military cooperation, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
The prime minister promised to revise Japan’s core security policies and improve intelligence gathering and defence readiness. Her government plans to expand the country’s defence capabilities and continue increasing military spending toward the target of two percent of gross domestic product.
Takaichi also said Japan will ease restrictions on defence equipment exports and strengthen supply chain resilience, especially for critical materials such as rare earth minerals that are vital for advanced technology and defence industries.
The security overhaul will include tighter monitoring of foreign investment in strategic sectors and stronger economic safeguards to protect sensitive technologies. The government is also considering further steps to secure energy supplies, including restarting nuclear reactors that were shut down after the Fukushima disaster.
Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have become increasingly strained in recent months amid concerns over Taiwan and maritime security. Japan has taken a firmer stance on regional stability, while China has criticised Tokyo’s defence expansion.
Japan has been deepening cooperation with allies, particularly the United States, to strengthen access to critical minerals and reduce reliance on China in key industries.
Analysts say the new policy direction reflects Japan’s shift toward a more proactive security role as it seeks to deter threats and protect its economic interests in an increasingly uncertain regional environment.