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Takaichi to Discuss Defense Spending with Trump in Tokyo

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sanae Takaichi will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo to discuss trade, security, and Japan's defense spending.
Takaichi aims to accelerate military spending to 2% of GDP by March 2026.
Analysts say building rapport with Trump could shape Japan's security and trade policies amid Asia-Pacific tensions.
Takaichi's ties to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe complicate her navigation of relations with both the United States and China.

History

Historical Context

Japan's defense policy has evolved significantly since the post-World War II era, when the Yoshida Doctrine limited military spending to 1% of GDP. In 2015, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shifted this policy, allowing a defense budget of approximately $42 billion to counter regional threats. Sanae Takaichi's recent proposal to raise military spending to 2% of GDP reflects ongoing tensions with China and a strengthened U.S. alliance.

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Story summary

Sanae Takaichi will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo to discuss trade, security, and Japan's defense spending.
Takaichi aims to accelerate military spending to 2% of GDP by March 2026.
Analysts say building rapport with Trump could shape Japan's security and trade policies amid Asia-Pacific tensions.
Takaichi's ties to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe complicate her navigation of relations with both the United States and China.

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