Advertisement
Is Trump behind Japan’s push for 5% military spending?
The ruling party is expected to debate raising outlays to as much as 5 per cent of GDP, in line with that of many Nato members
3-MIN READ3-MIN
5
Listen
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is weighing a sharp rise in defence spending as pressure from US President Donald Trump and deteriorating regional security conditions force Tokyo to reassess how much it must do to protect itself.
The party is expected to debate raising outlays to as much as 5 per cent of gross domestic product, a level that would bring Japan in line with many Nato member states and mark another major shift for a country that had long kept defence spending close to 1 per cent of GDP.
The proposal was submitted to the LDP’s research commission on security on Wednesday.
Advertisement
While analysts agree the Self-Defence Forces could benefit from additional funds, they say the timing of the submission is as important as its content. With Trump currently on a state visit to China, he is expected to be closely attuned to developments in the region.
Trump has repeatedly pressured security allies around the globe to spend more on national defence – going as far as to threaten that the US would not come to their aid in a conflict if they refused.
A critical US defence partner in the western Pacific, Tokyo has long enjoyed close ties with previous administrations. But there is growing concern that American troops stationed in the country have become leverage for Trump and that Japan will need to do more to guarantee its own security.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x