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Japan's PM Takaichi Proposes Major Defense Spending Shift

12/31/2025

Summary

Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by March 2027, signaling a shift from prioritizing economic growth.
She argues the move could respond to threats against Taiwan, drawing scrutiny of Japan's pacifist constitution.
The government plans to develop unmanned weapons and possibly nuclear submarines to bolster the defense industry.
Pacifist groups and concerns over wartime history criticize the plan for its security implications.

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Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by March 2027, signaling a shift from prioritizing economic growth.
She argues the move could respond to threats against Taiwan, drawing scrutiny of Japan's pacifist constitution.
The government plans to develop unmanned weapons and possibly nuclear submarines to bolster the defense industry.
Pacifist groups and concerns over wartime history criticize the plan for its security implications.