Takaichi vows to further bolster defence buildup, spending as regional tensions rise

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her first major policy speech on Friday, pledged to further accelerate Japan's military buildup and spending and complete an early upgrade of the country's security strategy as tensions rise with China, North Korea and Russia.

- AP

Takaichi took office on Tuesday after being elected Japan's first female leader. That ended months of a political vacuum amid power struggles within her party following consecutive election defeats that led to the ruling coalition's loss of a