The Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary responds to U.S. Defense Secretary’s call for allies to increase defense spending: Japan will decide for itself

On the morning of June 1, Japan time, Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshimitsu Kinbara addressed remarks made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, where Hegseth expressed expectations that Asian allies raise their defense expenditures to 3.5% of GDP. Kinbara stated: "Japan will make its own decisions."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kinbara said: "Japan's defense capabilities are being developed based on the fundamental principle of 'our country must be defended by ourselves,' through Japan's own independent judgment—not prioritizing financial amounts, but focusing on the substance and quality of defense capability."

"Regarding defense spending levels, Japan will continue to conduct specific and pragmatic discussions based on its own assessment. There is currently no predetermined target level set."

Kinbara added that issues concerning defense spending levels will be studied during the upcoming revision process of the three security-related documents scheduled for this year.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a speech delivered on May 30 at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, urged Asian allies and partner nations to increase defense spending to counter military expansion by other countries and prevent them from dominating regional order. He declared: "No free riding allowed," warning that free riding risks undermining cooperation. He introduced a "firm, low-key, clear" approach toward the Asia-Pacific region, announcing a $1.5 trillion defense investment plan, reforms to procurement systems, and prioritized deep collaboration with "model allies." He specifically named nine countries—including the Philippines, Japan, and Australia—as having made notable defense commitments. However, he also emphasized: "We have high expectations for our Japanese ally. We can and must work together to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance."

In the Q&A session following his speech at the Asia Security Conference on the same day, Hegseth responded to New Zealand’s proposal to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by stating: "Frankly speaking, 2% is not enough—that is free riding." Earlier in his speech, he had called on allied nations, including Japan, to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP.

When asked by a New Zealand journalist: "Our defense spending hasn’t even reached 2% of GDP. Do you consider that free riding?" Hegseth first clarified: "I don’t harbor ill will toward New Zealand." But he quickly added: "I hope our partner nations make greater efforts."

He further stressed: "Relying solely on long-standing friendly relations is insufficient. If allies lack the necessary capabilities, alliances become hollow."

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866803291281548/

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