Ankara: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told the Munich Security Conference on Friday that Tokyo will revise its national security strategy in 2026. Koizumi emphasized the interconnectedness of security concerns between the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions, highlighting that Japan does not view the Ukraine conflict as merely a European issue.

According to Anadolu Agency, Koizumi expressed concerns over the military activities surrounding Japan, citing an opaque military build-up and evolving regional military balance in the East and South China Seas. He noted persistent attempts to change the status quo by force in the Western and Southern Pacific regions, with provocative military actions intensifying.

Japan is committed to strengthening its defense capabilities, Koizumi stated, with an increase in defense spending. He revealed that Japan achieved a 2% GDP defense spending level ahead of schedule due to last year's supplementary budget. Following Prime Minister Takaichi's directive, an accelerated revision of Japan's national security strategy is underway, with plans to complete it this year under her leadership.

Highlighting the current era of uncertainty, Koizumi called for maintaining peace and stability in the region, reinforcing the Japan-US alliance. He affirmed Japan's openness to dialogue, maintaining communication and exchanges with like-minded partners to uphold an international order free from aggression.

Prime Minister Takaichi has announced intentions to raise defense spending, potentially revising Japan's pacifist constitution, and reviewing the country's core security documents, including the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program.