Japanese electronics and electrical equipment giant with a century of global manufacturing
Since October, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pushed a rapid reorientation of Japan's postwar posture: her government has eased lethal-weapons export rules, the ruling party has opened formal talks on revising the pacifist constitution, and Tokyo has expanded defence ties and arms sales with partners including Australia and potential buyers such as the Philippines and Poland.
The EU has widened its trade deficit with China to about €360 billion last year, while discussions on balancing trade and investment continue. Brussels seeks a level playing field and timely results by October, with a bilateral working group monitoring flows amid concerns over exports of Chinese cars, batteries and high-tech goods.