Japan Cancels Key Security Meeting with U.S. Amid Defense Budget Dispute

Japan abruptly canceled a high-level security meeting with the United States scheduled for July 1 in Washington, marking a rare rupture in diplomatic coordination between the allies. The annual "2+2" talks—typically featuring defense and foreign ministers from both nations—collapsed after Pentagon official Elbridge Colby demanded Japan increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, up from a previously agreed 3% threshold.

Tokyo's uncharacteristically blunt withdrawal reflects mounting political tensions ahead of Japan's July 20 Upper House elections. Senior officials reportedly deemed public confrontation over military expenditures too risky for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which already anticipates electoral losses. "These summits normally serve as showcase events for alliance solidarity," noted Christopher Johnstone, a former U.S. Japan policy specialist. The cancellation underscores how domestic pressures are reshaping traditional security partnerships.