By Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged on Friday to accelerate a defence spending target by two years, as her government pursues proactive fiscal expansion on strategic priorities.

In her first policy speech, Takaichi told parliament that Japan aims to reach a defence spending goal of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the current fiscal year through March, ahead of the original target of fiscal 2027.

“Japan must take the initiative in fundamentally strengthening its defense capabilities,” she added.

The defence target underscores Takaichi’s commitment to spending she terms “proactive”, in a bid to stimulate economic growth, based on her argument that a strong economy is a prerequisite for sound fiscal policy.

An advocate of expansiona

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