What Happened
Tokyo Expands Defense Spending Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Japan is revamping its defense posture in response to rising regional tensions, with plans to exceed its 2% defense spending benchmark as a percentage of GDP in fiscal year 2027. Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan is accelerating defense spending, modernizing its military, and expanding cooperation with the US and other regional partners. This shift in national security strategy is driven by China’s growing military power and aggression in the region, and may have significant implications for regional security. The Daily Signal reports on Japan’s changing defense posture and its potential impact on the US-Japan alliance.