President Trump has a way of exerting his will. But this is Herculean.
Because this nation bent the knee to Donald Trump and it’s sending shockwaves worldwide.
Japan Boosts Defense Spending Ahead of Trump’s Asia Visit, Strengthening U.S. Military Ties
Japan announced a significant increase in defense spending just days before President Donald Trump’s visit to Asia, signaling a strategic alignment with the United States to bolster America’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China.
“We are firmly preparing for President Trump’s visit,” Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said, emphasizing Japan’s intent to strengthen U.S. relations and build a personal rapport with the Trump administration during the visit.
The announcement coincides with the inauguration of Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a hawkish leader who assumed office on Tuesday, leading a right-wing coalition. Trump congratulated Takaichi on becoming Japan’s first female prime minister.
Takaichi, who interned in the U.S. Congress as a young woman, has expressed concerns about Japan’s reliance on the U.S. but pledged close cooperation with Trump.
Japan’s defense budget, currently at 1% of GDP, is set to accelerate toward a 2% target by the end of this year, advancing a previous 2027 goal, according to Kyodo News.
During Trump’s visit, Takaichi is expected to face pressure to further increase spending to align with NATO’s 5% target. This move would enhance Japan’s military capabilities, enabling greater interoperability with U.S. forces and reinforcing America’s strategic footprint in the region.
The U.S. maintains approximately 60,000 troops in Japan, the largest foreign contingent of American forces, making Japan a critical hub for U.S. military operations in Asia.
Increased Japanese defense spending could alleviate financial pressures on the U.S., particularly after Trump suggested Japan should contribute more to the costs of hosting these troops.
A stronger Japanese military would also enhance joint U.S.-Japan operations, countering China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
Trump’s Asia trip includes stops in Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, against the backdrop of strained U.S.-China relations. Beijing’s recent halt of critical mineral exports and the U.S. suspension of tariff negotiations have heightened tensions, underscoring the need for robust U.S. alliances in the region.
Takaichi’s government has adopted a hardline stance on China, with the prime minister declaring, “Japan is back.”
Her administration also plans stricter immigration and tourism regulations and a more nationalistic approach to teaching World War II history. This shift marks a departure from Japan’s postwar pacifist policies, aligning with a regional trend of military modernization in South Korea, Taiwan, and beyond.
Japan’s defense buildup, combined with deepened U.S. cooperation, will likely strengthen America’s strategic posture in Asia, ensuring a more resilient alliance network to address regional instability and maintain a balance of power against China’s expanding influence.
