As the United States and Japan gear up for crucial tariff negotiations, President Donald Trump has reignited concerns in Japan by criticizing the 1960 security treaty. This has raised anxieties that he might leverage the talks to pressure Tokyo into increasing its financial contributions.

Specifically, there are fears that Trump could demand Japan pay more for the presence of American troops stationed in the country. Additionally, he might seek increased purchases of U.S.-made weaponry or a further boost in Japan's defense spending.

During a press briefing in Washington, Trump stated that the U.S. spends "hundreds of billions of dollars to defend them, but ... they don't pay anything." He further expressed his dissatisfaction with the alliance, claiming that Japan is not obligated to defend the U.S. in the event of an attack. This marks the second time in recent months that Trump has questioned the longstanding alliance, echoing similar sentiments expressed during his previous term in office.