Japan’s new leader vows to boost defence as regional tensions rise

JAPANESE prime minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to 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.

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Ms Takaichi took office on Tuesday after being elected Japan's first female leader, ending months of a political vacuum and power struggles within her party following consecutive election defeats that led to the ruling coalition losing its majority in both houses of parliament.