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After years of pressure to increase defense spending, Japan announced plans to do so just ahead of a trip by President Donald Trump to the region next week.

“We are firmly preparing for President Trump’s visit,” Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said.

Trump is expected to meet with Japan’s new hawkish Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office on Tuesday and leads a new right-wing coalition. Trump already congratulated the new prime minister on becoming Japan’s first female top leader.

Motegi said the new government hoped to strengthen U.S. relations during the visit and build a personal relationship with the Trump administration.

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Defense analyst

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