<h1>New Japanese prime minister pledges 2% GDP defense spending, faster military buildup, closer US ties, tougher foreign rules</h1> The newly installed Japanese prime minister pledged to accelerate a military buildup and meet a 2% of GDP defense-spending target by March, and to revise the national security strategy by the end of 2026, citing rising tensions with neighboring states and global conflicts. The administration seeks closer ties with the United States ahead of a forthcoming summit, expects pressure for greater arms purchases, and signals potential moves toward more offensive Self-Defense Force roles, relaxed arms-export rules and higher defense budgets without specifying funding. Governing as a minority with a right-leaning coalition, the government also proposed stricter enforcement of rules for foreign residents and study of limits on foreign land purchases.