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Japan's Defense Strategy Shifts: China Now Top Concern

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Japan survey finds 68% view China's military advancements as Japan's primary security concern, surpassing North Korea.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks suggesting Japan could respond militarily to China attacking Taiwan escalated tensions with Beijing.
China issued travel warnings and held military drills near Japan.
Support for Japan's Self-Defense Forces reached a record 94%.
The government plans to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP to counter China's ambitions.

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Story summary

A Japan survey finds 68% view China's military advancements as Japan's primary security concern, surpassing North Korea.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks suggesting Japan could respond militarily to China attacking Taiwan escalated tensions with Beijing.
China issued travel warnings and held military drills near Japan.
Support for Japan's Self-Defense Forces reached a record 94%.
The government plans to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP to counter China's ambitions.