Japan has withdrawn from its scheduled July 1 “2+2” security dialogue with the United States after Washington demanded Tokyo raise its defense budget to 3.5% of GDP—up from the previously discussed 3%. The meeting was to feature U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (the-independent.com, ft.com).
The sudden escalation of Washington’s spending demand, reportedly made by Pentagon strategist Elbridge Colby, was cited by Japanese officials as the primary reason for canceling the meeting. Tokyo maintained that its defense decisions are internally determined, not directed by allies, and expressed concern about potential domestic fallout ahead of the July 20 upper house elections (ft.com).
This development highlights growing tension in the U.S.-Japan alliance, which comes as Trump pressures global partners to significantly increase military contributions. Japan, which had already doubled its defense outlay to 2% of GDP in 2022, is now pushing back sharply against further hikes (reuters.com).
Amid trade tensions and U.S. tariffs on Japanese imports, Tokyo’s cancellation of security talks underscores deepening frictions, even as both governments stress their commitment to alliance strength.
