TOKYO — Japan’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, announced on Wednesday that the nation is poised to demonstrate its commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities in response to evolving warfare dynamics and escalating regional tensions. This strategic move coincides with the upcoming visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump to Tokyo next week. Trump is scheduled to meet with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday, marking their first encounter since Takaichi assumed office as Japan’s first female leader. Takaichi, who recently emerged from internal political disputes, faces immediate diplomatic challenges, including Trump’s visit and participation in two regional summits. Motegi emphasized that Japan is diligently preparing for Trump’s arrival, viewing it as an opportunity to reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance and foster personal trust between the two leaders. Additionally, Japan aims to enhance cooperation with South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, and maintain stable relations with China. Japan’s ongoing five-year military buildup, which includes doubling its annual defense spending to 2% of GDP and developing long-range missile capabilities, signifies a departure from its postwar pacifist stance. The ruling party’s alliance with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party has sparked concerns about Japan adopting more offensive roles under Takaichi’s leadership. Motegi highlighted the necessity of adapting to modern warfare, such as drone swarms and cyberattacks, while reviewing and communicating Japan’s defense plans to the U.S. Japan anticipates pressure from Trump to increase defense spending to NATO levels, purchase American military equipment, and support U.S. troops stationed in Japan. Motegi stressed that Japan’s defense strategy should be independently determined, focusing on substance rather than spending ratios. He also expressed his intention to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance. Motegi, known for his tough negotiation skills during Trump’s first term, is also tasked with implementing the Japan-U.S. tariffs agreement to ensure mutual economic benefits and security.
Japan says it plans to tell Trump it will build up military, upgrade security strategy
