Part 6/12:
On defense, Takai seeks to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution, specifically Article 9, to enable stronger military capabilities and increased defense spending. Her stance aligns with a rising trend among East Asian nations to bolster their defenses amid threats from China and North Korea. Her pro-Taiwan stance and vows to strengthen alliances with the United States are viewed favorably by Washington, as they provide a strategic bulwark against Chinese expansion, especially regarding Taiwan’s critical semiconductor industry and regional stability.