• Japan has canceled its annual “2+2” security meeting with the U.S. amid tensions over demands to increase its defense spending, highlighting growing strain in the U.S.-Japan alliance. This decision comes as both nations navigate trade talks, defense commitments, and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Japan has canceled its annual “2+2” security meeting with the U.S., signaling tensions over defense spending demands amidst ongoing trade talks and broader geopolitical concerns. The decision to pull the plug on the high-level meeting, which was set to bring together Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and their Japanese counterparts, comes after President Trump’s administration pressed Japan to substantially boost its defense budget. This latest development underscores the growing friction between the longtime allies as global power dynamics shift across the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Pushes Japan for Defense Spending Hike

The cancellation follows U.S. demands that Japan increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP—up from a prior request of 3%. According to the Financial Times, this heightened pressure came directly from Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s third-ranking official, in a move some Japanese officials saw as overreach. A Japanese Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters, “Japan and the U.S. have not discussed these targets. We decide our defense budget independently.”

This tension builds on comments from President Trump himself, who, in March, criticized Japan’s contribution to the U.S.-Japan security alliance. “We have to protect Japan, but they don’t have to protect us. And they’re making a fortune with us economically,” Trump remarked, referencing the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

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That treaty obligates the U.S. to defend Japan in case of an attack while allowing the U.S. to maintain military bases across Japanese territory. However, Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, have pushed back on Trump’s framing, emphasizing Japan’s role in hosting U.S. forces and its evolving defense posture.

Defense Spending Becomes a Flashpoint for Allies

Japan has already taken steps to enhance its military capabilities, with former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida doubling the country’s defense spending cap to 1% of GDP in 2022—a controversial move in a nation where pacifism still holds sway. Despite this, Colby and other U.S. officials argue that more is needed to counter growing threats from China and North Korea.

“European allies are now setting the standard for defense spending; Asia must follow suit,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Nikkei. He called for Asian allies to match NATO goals of 5% GDP spending, citing China’s aggressive military buildup and North Korea’s continued missile development.

But Japanese leaders remain firm. In response to Colby’s calls for a 3% GDP commitment, Ishiba told a parliamentary committee, “Japan decides its defense budget by itself. It should not be dictated by other nations.”

Timely Diplomatic Implications

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The abrupt cancellation of the 2+2 security talks comes at a delicate time. The U.S. and Japan are locked in trade negotiations to avoid Trump’s threatened tariffs on Japanese cars and other imports, a move that could have major economic ramifications for both nations. These tariffs, paused until July 9, remain a key pressure point in bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Japan is preparing to attend NATO’s summit in The Hague on June 24-25, where President Trump is expected to reiterate his demands for increased defense spending from both European and Asian allies. Currently, no NATO member spends 5% of GDP on defense—not even the U.S., which sits at 3.4%. Poland leads NATO with 4.1%, while the U.K. commits 2.3%.

For Japan, the stakes are high. Walking the line between meeting U.S. demands while maintaining domestic support for its postwar pacifist policies will be a formidable challenge for Prime Minister Ishiba’s government.

What’s Next?

Japan’s decision to cancel the 2+2 meeting highlights growing strain in the U.S.-Japan alliance. As trade talks and NATO discussions loom, all eyes are on whether the two allies can find common ground on defense spending and broader strategic priorities.

Will Japan bow to U.S. pressure, or will it chart a more independent path? Share your thoughts below, and don’t forget to Follow The Dupree Report On WhatsApp for real-time updates.

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