In a significant diplomatic turn, the U.S. government has urged Japan to ramp up defense spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), according to Kyodo News. The demand has reportedly prompted Tokyo to postpone the planned 2-plus-2 security talks for foreign and defense chiefs in Washington.
The canceled meeting would have marked the first of its kind since Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump took office in October and January respectively. Sources tell Kyodo News and the Financial Times that the abrupt request came without warning earlier this month.
U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby previously pushed Tokyo to hit a 3% defense budget target. Japan, which committed in 2022 to double its defense outlay to 2% of GDP by 2027, now faces fresh pressure to stretch its military investment even further.
At stake is the balance of the U.S.-Japan security alliance and the broader security dynamics in East Asia. Critics say the treaty has become one-sided, with the U.S. footing most costs for bases and personnel in Japan. Tokyo must weigh its pacifist constitution against shifting regional threats and alliance expectations.
As Japan’s parliament gears up to debate next year’s budget, all eyes are on Tokyo’s response. Will Japan meet Washington’s higher bar, or will it chart a more cautious path? Join the conversation on global security and burden-sharing across alliances.
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U.S. presses Japan to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP: media
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