In a telephone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in October, US President Joe Biden expressed hope that Japan would increase its defense budget, Japanese media reported on Saturday.
Biden's remarks came as Kishida expressed interest in increasing Japan's defense spending amid China's growing economy and strengthening, according to Aikokyodo News, citing diplomatic sources. On Saturday, the Japanese prime minister pledged to strengthen his country's defense capabilities.
Kishida's remarks came during a speech at the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) base where Kishida expressed concern about the rapid development of North Korea's missile technology and China's military expansion, Kyodo News reported.
When Japan revises its foreign and security policies, all options will be on the table, including the idea of giving self-defense forces the ability to strike, Kishida said.
The Japanese prime minister also pointed to China's move to strengthen its military without maintaining adequate transparency. "China continues to strengthen its military without adequate transparency and is making unilateral efforts to change the status quo," Kishida said.
Earlier, in a virtual meeting of leaders of 50 Asian and European countries on Friday, Kishida expressed serious concern about human rights in China.
In the midst of the summit, Kishida reportedly expressed concern about the status quo of Hong Kong and the Xinjiang region of northwest China.
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