Japan has denied reports that the United States asked it to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi asserting Monday that there was "no truth" to such a request as Tokyo continues its path toward a 2% defense target by 2027.

Japan Pushes Back on U.S. Reports

Responding to a Financial Times report alleging that a senior Pentagon official requested the increase, Hayashi said the emphasis should be on enhancing defense capabilities—not specific numerical targets. “The date for the next Japan-U.S. 2+2 meeting has yet to be decided,” he added, denying claims that Tokyo canceled the ministerial talks in protest.

U.S. Urges Asian Allies to Match NATO Ambitions

Amid mounting global security challenges, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly called on Asian allies to show greater urgency. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in May, he warned about the Chinese threat and cited NATO’s new 5% GDP spending goal—including 3.5% for core defense items and 1.5% for infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Although a Pentagon spokesperson reportedly told Japanese outlets the 5% standard should apply to Japan, Tokyo has remained firm on its current goal.

Defense Strategy Under Global Pressure

As Japan prepares to double its defense spending from its historical 1% baseline, U.S. demands add pressure amid a rapidly evolving regional environment—including threats from North Korea and concerns over Taiwan.

Tokyo’s decision-making also reflects broader debates over balancing military readiness with diplomatic stability, especially as the U.S. shifts its global posture under President Trump.