By AFP and Focus | 2025-10-24

TOKYO -- Japan's conservative new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vowed to bring US ties to "new heights," while taking a swipe at China and vowing a stricter stance on immigration in her first policy speech.

Japan's first woman premier, who so far is enjoying high poll ratings, told a rowdy parliament on October 24 that the country will spend 2% of GDP on defense this fiscal year, hitting the government's target two years early.

The comments came three days before US President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to Japan, en route to talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Washington wants Tokyo and other allies to boost their military spending.

Takaichi, whose idol is Margaret Thatcher, said she would build "a relationship of trust" and elevate "the Japan-US relationship to new heights."

Regarding relations with China, Takaichi stated, "China is an important neighboring country for Japan, and it is necessary to build a constructive and stable relationship."

She acknowledged that "there are security concerns, including economic security, between Japan and China. We will continue honest dialogue at the leader level," the Chosun Daily reported.

Known before her appointment as a China hawk, Takaichi said that the military activities of China, North Korea and Russia "have become a grave concern."

"The free, open and stable international order we have grown accustomed to is being profoundly shaken by historic shifts in the balance of power and intensifying geopolitical competition," she said.

China's Foreign Ministry reacted by hitting out at Japan's increase of defense spending and relaxation of restrictions on arms exports.

"These moves inevitably raise serious doubts among (Japan's) Asian neighbors and the international community about whether Japan is truly committed to an exclusively defensive posture and the path of peaceful development," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.

Immigrant concerns amid economic strain

Takaichi has a host of other complex issues to tackle in the coming months, including a flatlining economy and a declining population.

A new wave of Chinese immigration to Japan is occurring. The number of Chinese living in Japan reached 870,000 in 2024 and is expected to grow to 1 million by 2026, according to the Asian Media Center.

The shift has sparked unease about Japan's national and economic security.

Takaichi said the country needed foreign workers to address labor shortages but alluded to growing anxiety over foreigners in Japan, a country with historically low levels of immigration.

"Some illegal activities and breaches of rules by certain foreigners have created situations where members of the public feel uneasy and perceive unfairness," she said on October 24.

"While we draw a clear line from xenophobia, the government will respond resolutely to such acts," she added, saying that authorities will enforce existing rules and examine sensitive issues such as land acquisition.

The populist Sanseito party, which calls immigration a "silent invasion," has been making gains in recent elections.

Takaichi gave Kimi Onoda two portfolios: economic security minister and minister for forging a "society of well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals."

The latter job existed before but without a minister in charge. The appointment has led to widespread disinformation online that Takaichi appointed Onoda minister for "mass deportations."