A media report indicates that Japan has canceled a high-level meeting with the United States, originally planned for July. The cancellation stems from a request by the U.S. for Japan to increase its defense spending.
The annual "two-plus-two" security talks, which involve the top diplomats and defense chiefs from both countries, were abruptly called off by Tokyo. This decision was made less than two weeks before the scheduled meeting.
According to the Financial Times, citing unnamed sources, the U.S. had requested that Japan raise its defense budget to 3.5% of its gross domestic product. The meeting was to include Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya from Japan, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The talks were to be held in Washington on July 1.
5 Comments
Stan Marsh
This is a good chance for Japan to assert its own policies. Independence matters!
Michelangelo
Let’s not forget, Japan has its own challenges to prioritize. Smart move to cancel!
Leonardo
The U.S. is simply asking Japan to be responsible. Cancelling at the last minute shows a lack of commitment.
Donatello
This seems like a diplomatic blunder. Japan should have respected the U.S. request and met.
Raphael
This cancellation could be a step toward better negotiations in the future. Diplomacy takes time.