Will Japan seize its chance to lead regional security in Asia?

It would help its relations with the US and defence against China

- KARISHMA VASWANI

Japan's pacifist constitution appears to be losing public support.

(AFP)

Japan is doing what President Donald Trump has demanded: increasing defence spending.

But as America’s influence in the Indo-Pacific wanes, Tokyo has the opportunity to play a bigger role in the region's security.

Japans's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is determined to convince Trump she’s serious about boosting the nation’s military capabilities. A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe—the original Trump whisperer—she’s eager to cultivate the same kind of personal rapport the former PM had with the US leader. Ahead of their meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday, she announced Japan will spend 2% of GDP on defence by next spring, two years ahead of schedule. The government also plans to roll back defence export restrictions, build weapons factories and accelerate investment in the military.