US President Donald Trump has once again put the US-Japan Security Treaty under the microscope, questioning why the United States is obligated to defend Japan while Japan has no such responsibility in return. His remarks have raised concerns in Tokyo about whether the long-standing agreement could be up for renegotiation.
Speaking to reporters after signing an executive order at the White House, Trump stated, “We have a great relationship with Japan, but we have an interesting deal where we have to protect them, but they don’t have to protect us.” He then added, “And by the way, they make a fortune off us economically. Who even makes these deals?”
His comments reflect the same skepticism he voiced during his first term in office, where he reportedly considered pulling the US out of the treaty altogether. The latest remarks are likely to stoke fears in Japan that Trump, now in his second term, may push for changes in security agreements or use them as leverage in trade negotiations.
Japan Responds: “It’s Not That Simple”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba fired back, emphasizing that Japan is not just a passive beneficiary of the treaty. “Our relationship is not one-sided. Japan provides key military bases for the US, which are crucial to American strategic interests in Asia,” he said in parliament on Friday.
Japan’s top government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, also stressed the importance of the alliance, stating that the US is expected to honor its commitments under the treaty. He pointed to Japan’s legal adjustments that now allow some level of collective self-defense, making it possible for Japanese forces to assist US troops in certain situations.
A Deal Signed in a Different Era
The US-Japan Security Treaty, first signed in 1951 and revised in 1960, allows the US to station military forces in Japan in exchange for defending Japanese territory in case of an attack. It was originally designed during the Cold War, when the US wanted to maintain a strong military foothold in Asia against communist threats.
Today, Japan remains home to the largest overseas US military presence, with nearly 60,000 American troops stationed across various bases. Japan also contributes financially, footing ¥430 billion ($2.9 billion) annually toward hosting costs. However, Trump has previously pushed Japan to pay as much as $8 billion per year, arguing that the US is carrying too much of the financial burden.
What’s at Stake?
If Trump seriously considers renegotiating the treaty, it could trigger a major shift in US-Japan relations and alter the power balance in Asia. With China expanding its military presence and North Korea’s nuclear threats remaining a concern, Japan’s security partnership with the US is crucial.
The Bigger Debate: Who Benefits More?
From Japan’s perspective, the treaty provides a security umbrella that protects them from potential threats. However, the US also benefits strategically by having military bases in a key location near China and North Korea.
So, is Trump right to call this deal unfair? It depends on how you look at it. Japan does contribute in multiple ways, but at the same time, the US bears the heavier defense responsibility. The real question is whether Trump is merely testing Japan’s limits or if he actually intends to rewrite decades of foreign policy.
Would Japan agree to pay more for US military support, or could this be the beginning of a major shift in global alliances? One thing is for sure—this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
