The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan is discussing the revision of the national security strategy, including the policy on nuclear weapons, in the context of tensions with China.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has begun discussions to revise three key documents regarding Japan's national security strategy, considering a possible change in nuclear policy. Government spokesperson Minou Kihara emphasized the necessity of these discussions in the context of a rapidly changing security environment, especially due to tensions with China related to Taiwan.

The review will focus on the three fundamental principles that prohibit the possession, production, or introduction of nuclear weapons on Japanese territory. It will also discuss increasing defense spending, the use of drones, the development of long-range missiles, and the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine. Proposals resulting from these discussions are expected to be presented in the spring of next year, with the aim of finalizing the review by the end of 2026.

Prime Minister Takaichi has promised to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2025, in line with NATO goals, and pressures from the United States suggest a possible increase to 3.5%. Japan perceives an increasingly complex security environment, exacerbated by relations between Russia and North Korea. Takaichi, a successor to Shinzo Abe's policies, aims to continue constitutional reform to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.