Japan Rejects US Pressure to Raise Defense Spending Above 2% of GDP

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has firmly asserted that Japan will independently decide its defense budget, rejecting U.S. calls for increased spending to 3% of GDP amid regional security concerns. His remarks were in response to Elbridge Colby, nominated as undersecretary of defense for policy, who urged Japan to enhance its military spending to address threats from China and North Korea. Japan currently aims to raise its defense budget to 2% by fiscal 2027, a significant increase from its longstanding cap of approximately 1%. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that Japan prioritizes the quality of defense capabilities over mere budget figures. Colby has criticized Japan's current spending plans as inadequate, advocating for accelerated military enhancements. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between U.S. expectations and Japan's strategic autonomy in defense matters.