Rewritten policies could even include changes to nuclear weapons stance, analyst says
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenOrange WangPublished: 10:09pm, 28 Apr 2026Updated: 10:11pm, 28 Apr 2026Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has started the process of overhauling the country’s major security policies, arguing that Japan must boost its military power in the face of geopolitical threats, including those from China.A Chinese expert said Takaichi’s statements during a gathering of experts tasked with overhauling key policy documents signalled a “fundamental” shift in Tokyo’s strategy, with the country’s security road map likely to become “more aggressive”.
Beijing, meanwhile, accused the Japanese leader of peddling a narrative of geopolitical tension, as the downward diplomatic spiral between the two neighbours showed no signs of ending.
Addressing the meeting of experts on Monday, Takaichi said Japan “must proactively pursue a fundamental strengthening of our defence capabilities”.
The panel has been tasked with revising Japan’s so-called “three security documents” – the National Security Strategy, the National Defence Strategy and the Defence Buildup Programme. The current documents were published four years ago and the rewrite is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
