In her first significant address since her party's electoral victory, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the pressing security challenges posed by China's military activities and stated that "Japan faces its most severe and complex security environment since World War II." Her comments came during a parliamentary session on February 20, 2026, where she outlined a robust agenda aimed at countering the perceived threats from China and its regional allies.
Takaichi pointed out that China has been intensifying efforts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas through coercion. She articulated her government's commitment to producing a new defence strategy, which will involve a comprehensive revision of Japan's three core security documents by the end of the year.
One of the significant initiatives includes easing restrictions on military exports, potentially expanding the array of defence equipment that Japanese firms can sell internationally. Currently, export rules limit sales to non-lethal equipment. The proposal aims to bolster Japan's defence sector and enhance its overseas sales.
Takaichi also mentioned plans to establish a national intelligence council, aimed at consolidating information from various governmental agencies, an effort aimed at addressing Japan's previously fragmented intelligence framework, especially in the context of heightened regional tensions.
In addition to her military policy changes, Takaichi discussed the importance of strengthening supply chains. This includes reducing dependency on "specific countries" for critical materials, particularly rare earth elements, and emphasized aligning with allies to ensure a stable supply of these essential resources.
As part of a broader military build-up initiated in 2023, Japan is looking to double its defence spending to 2% of GDP, making it one of the top military spenders in the world despite its pacifist constitution. Takaichi's administration aims to meet these new security challenges head-on, marking a significant shift in Japan's approach to its national defence.
Takaichi's remarks underscore a notable pivot in Japan's foreign policy, reflecting concerns about China's expanding military ties with Russia and North Korea's advancing missile capabilities. In this dynamic landscape, she stressed the necessity for Japan to take proactive measures to safeguard its national interests.
As regional tensions continue to mount, Takaichi's announcement signals a decisive shift towards a more assertive Japanese military posture in the face of perceived threats from China and its allies.
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