The recent cancellation of the meeting between Japan and the US highlights rising tensions in international relations caused by American demands for increased military spending.
Meeting Cancellation and Reason
Japan cancelled the scheduled July 1 meeting in Washington, which was part of the annual "2+2" talks between senior officials from both countries. The cancellation was triggered by a last-minute demand from Elbridge Colby, the third-most senior Pentagon official, to raise Japan's defense budget to 3.5% of GDP. This new figure emerged just weeks ahead of the cancellation, causing discontent in Tokyo.
Political Consequences for Japan
The cancellation is also tied to the upcoming Upper House elections on July 20. Japan is keen to avoid a public confrontation with the US ahead of the elections, fearing it could negatively impact the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which is already anticipating seat losses. The cancellation of the meeting was viewed as a less risky approach.
Strategic Changes in US Defense Policy
Changes in US defense policy come amid pressure from the Trump administration on both European and Asian allies to increase military budgets. US officials assert that the country is playing hardball with allies in the Asia-Pacific, citing the need to address threats from China and North Korea.
The cancellation of the meeting between Japan and the US illustrates the complex relationships in the security sphere and the necessity for both sides to consider each other's internal political realities.
