Us Foreign Policy / Why is the need for defense budget increasing in Japan, is there a threat from America?

Us Foreign Policy: There is a famous English phrase, "There Are No Free Lunches," which means that nothing is free in the world. This saying is fully applicable to the foreign policy of America. Especially since Donald Trump became the President of America, a clear change has been seen in American policies. America is now moving on the strategy of recovering its every investment and cooperation. Its effect is not only on Ukraine, but traditional allies like Japan and Taiwan are also feeling this pressure.

Japan: Steps towards self-reliant defense policy

Japan decided in 2022 that it would spend $287.09 billion over the next five years to strengthen its defense sector. This decision was taken at a time when the Russia-Ukraine war started. Japan plans to spend 2% of its GDP on defense budget by 2027.

Recently, Pentagon nominated official Elbridge Colby suggested that Japan should increase its defense budget to 3% of GDP. On this, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in clear words that his country will decide its own defense policies, not any external power. This stance of Japan reflects the growing dissatisfaction with the policies of America.

America and Japan: Is the equation changing?

The US and Japan have a defense treaty relationship of more than 60 years. But now Japan is developing its defense policy independently. The biggest reason for this is the maritime border dispute related to China, Russia and North Korea. Japan played an important role in strengthening the 'Axis of Democracy', which expanded in the form of QUAD. This initiative was taken to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, if we look at the previous record of America, it has been using its defense strategy to fulfill its interests. During the Iraq War, the US first removed Saddam Hussein and then took control of the oil resources there. In Afghanistan too, after eliminating the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, the US suddenly withdrew its army, due to which the Taliban rule was re-established there.

Recovery game from Ukraine?

Donald Trump has claimed several times that the US has spent $300 to $350 billion to aid Ukraine. However, according to German think tank Kiel Institute, this amount has been around $119.7 billion between January 2022 and December 2024. Despite this, the US now wants to recover this investment from Ukraine.

Recently, a meeting took place between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which was tense. After this, the US stopped the military aid being given to Ukraine. Currently, about 30% of Ukraine's defense needs are met with US aid.

Soon after this, Ukraine agreed to a minerals deal with the US, which the US had been pressing for a long time. The US needs lithium and other rare minerals for the electric vehicle industry, which Ukraine has in abundance. The estimated value of this deal could be up to $500 billion. This deal is proof that the US is looking for new ways to recoup the costs it has incurred.

Taiwan: The next target?

Taiwan has also become concerned after the bitter meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo asked the US whether the stability of the Asia-Pacific region is still America's priority.

Taiwan is the world's largest center for semiconductor production. The US wants Taiwan to spend 10% of its GDP on defense, while the figure is currently 2.45%. On the other hand, China considers Taiwan as its part and if it occupies it, it can become Asia's largest economic power. This will be a big setback for the US.

Conclusion: America's changing global outlook

America's new strategy clearly indicates that it wants to gain economic and strategic benefits from its allies as well. Ukraine, Japan and Taiwan are being affected by this new policy. The concept of 'There Are No Free Lunches' is clearly reflected in America's foreign policy.