The United States expects Japan to increase defense spending as soon as possible. This was stated by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a press conference after a meeting with new Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
According to Hegseth, strengthening the US-Japan alliance requires continuous development of the armed forces, “to deter conflicts and, if necessary, fight a war to win“. The US Defense Secretary noted Tokyo's readiness to increase defense spending, calling it “an important step forward“. "We hope this will be implemented as soon as possible," Hegseth added.
He stated his position that China is "building up its military power at an unprecedented rate" and taking "aggressive military action." Hegseth said the security situation in the region "remains grave."
Earlier, Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to strengthen his country's defense capabilities and increase defense spending during talks in Tokyo on Tuesday, but no specific figures were discussed.