Trump Criticizes U.S.-Japan Security Pact as “Nonreciprocal”

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited criticism of the decades-old U.S.-Japan security treaty, calling it “nonreciprocal” during remarks in the Oval Office on Thursday. Trump, who has long pressured allies to increase defense spending, questioned the fairness of the agreement, which obligates the United States to defend Japan but does not require Japan to reciprocate.

“I love Japan. We have a great relationship with Japan, but we have an interesting deal with Japan that we have to protect them, but they don’t have to protect us,” Trump said. “That’s the way the deal reads… and by the way, they make a fortune with us economically. I actually ask who makes these deals?”

Trump’s comments come as part of his broader push to have U.S. allies, including NATO members, contribute more to their own defense. He accused European countries of “ripping off” the United States in trade while failing to pay enough for their national security.

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The U.S.-Japan Security Treaty

The U.S.-Japan security treaty, revised in 1960, commits the United States to defend Japan in the event of an attack. In return, Japan grants the U.S. the right to establish military bases on its territory. Currently, over 50,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in Japan, the largest permanent deployment of U.S. forces in any country.

Japanese officials and U.S. defense experts argue that the treaty is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly amid China’s growing influence and North Korea’s nuclear threats. Japan also provides host-nation support of approximately $2 billion annually to cover costs for U.S. forces stationed in the country.

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Trump’s History of Criticism

This is not the first time Trump has criticized the U.S.-Japan alliance. During his first term, he pressured Japan and other allies, such as South Korea, to pay more for U.S. security support. At one point, Trump remarked that under the treaty, Japan could “watch [a U.S. attack] on a Sony television” without being obligated to assist.

Despite his criticism, Trump has also expressed strong support for Japan in public forums. During a February meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump stated that the United States is “totally committed to the security of Japan” and pledged to extend “the full strength of American deterrence capabilities.”

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Calls for Increased Defense Spending

Trump’s latest remarks follow a statement earlier this week from Elbridge Colby, his nominee for undersecretary of defense for policy, who urged Japan to increase its defense spending to 3% of GDP. Japan has already committed to doubling its defense budget to 2% of GDP by 2027, a significant shift in its postwar security policy.

Colby emphasized the need for Japan to focus on safeguarding its own territory and contributing to collective defense in the region. “The best way for the United States to support this shift is to make these priorities and urgency clear to Tokyo in a constructive but pressing fashion,” he said.

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Implications for the Alliance

Trump’s remarks have sparked renewed debate over the fairness of the U.S.-Japan alliance. While some argue that Japan should take on a greater share of its defense responsibilities, others point out that the U.S. benefits strategically from its military presence in Japan, which serves as a critical hub for operations in the Indo-Pacific.

As tensions rise in the region, particularly with China and North Korea, the U.S.-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of regional security. However, Trump’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges of balancing economic and security interests in one of America’s most important partnerships.

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Sources:

• Kyodo News
• Bloomberg
• Reuters