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3h ago

Japan Cancels 2+2 Security Talks After US Raises Defense Spending Demand

The cancellation underscores widening friction with Washington’s push for higher defense outlays among Pacific and European allies

Japanese and U.S. Flags fly side by side outside the White House in Washington, U.S., April 5, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
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Overview

  • Tokyo canceled the July 1 2+2 security talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after Washington upped its defense spending target to 3.5% of GDP.
  • The increased demand was issued in recent weeks by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby as part of a broader review of Indo-Pacific strategy.
  • Japanese officials linked the postponement to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s vulnerability ahead of the July 20 Upper House elections and growing frustration over U.S. tariffs.
  • A U.S. official confirmed the talks were shelved but declined to explain the reasoning, and Japan’s embassy in Washington did not comment on the report.
  • The move precedes a NATO summit where Trump is expected to press European allies to raise their defense outlays to 5% of GDP.