Sanae Takaichi warned that Japan is confronting its most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II.

She pointed to China’s growing efforts to alter the status quo through force or coercion in the East and South China Seas, along with intensified military activity around Japan. She also cited North Korea’s continued advances in missile capabilities and deepening military ties between Beijing and Russia.

Takaichi noted that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine — and reports of North Korean troop deployments there — have raised concerns about possible transfers of missile-related technology.

Given these dynamics, she said Japan must act with greater strategic independence, set long-term goals, and take responsibility for charting its own course.

https://video.nostr.build/49beed578cd63cd9184b72dae416b28c0d4ca8817384f542f250a183678a642b.mp4