Trump Criticizes U.S.-Japan Security Pact as One-Sided

The U.S. president questioned the fairness of the 1960 treaty, while Japan emphasized its cooperative nature and economic contributions.

President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is obligated to protect Japan under their security agreement, but Japan is not required to defend the U.S.
Trump claimed that Japan benefits economically from the arrangement and questioned the fairness of the deal.
Japan's government responded by reaffirming trust in the U.S. to uphold its treaty obligations and highlighting its contributions to the alliance.
The remarks coincide with Japan's trade minister preparing a trip to Washington to address potential U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Japan's officials also pushed back on Trump's claims about Japanese investment in a proposed natural gas pipeline in Alaska, calling for further study.