Washington, D.C. — Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Michael McCaul, Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Ami Bera and Steve Chabot, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding today’s release of Japan’s new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program:

“We applaud the release of Japan’s new National Security Strategy and defense policy documents, which demonstrate Japan’s commitment to fundamentally expand, enhance, and upgrade its defense capabilities.

“These steps usher in a new era for the U.S.-Japan Alliance as Japan recalibrates its defense posture to meet the growing threats that our nations face – increased maritime aggression in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the People’s Republic of China’s rapid military modernization, developments in North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs, provocations and coercion across the Taiwan Strait, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“The United States stands ready to support our steadfast ally as Japan works to double its defense budget to reach two percent of GDP over the next five years, which will strengthen our cooperation, bolster collective deterrence, and align our visions for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific."

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