【The Kato administration is preparing to increase funding for U.S. troops stationed in Japan】
Multiple Japanese sources have revealed that Japan and the United States are expected to launch a new round of negotiations over the financial burden of U.S. forces stationed in Japan as early as this summer. The Kato administration has already prepared to increase its contributions and is currently studying specific funding arrangements.
According to Kyodo News, this decision aims to respond to Trump's persistent pressure on allies to make greater financial contributions. The Kato administration will use this opportunity to demonstrate Japan’s efforts to the Trump administration.
Previously, the issue of funding for U.S. troops in Japan rarely attracted external attention. However, since Trump’s return to power, it has become one of the central issues in the U.S.-Japan alliance. The reason is simple: Trump places immense emphasis on money and values how much allies contribute to the United States. In Trump’s own view, U.S. military presence on allied nations’ soil is intended to protect their security, so these countries must pay more—indeed, even if they were to cover the entire cost, it would still be justified.
During Trump’s first term, the Abe administration repeatedly engaged in coordination with the U.S. over funding distribution. The Trump administration typically demanded large sums initially, then negotiated down from there. Now, the challenging task of negotiating financial contributions directly falls upon the shoulders of the Kato administration.
Japanese sources indicate that Japan currently contributes an average of 20 billion yen annually toward the costs of U.S. troops stationed in Japan. The Kato administration has confirmed it will increase its contribution, but the exact scale remains unknown. For now, the government can only set its own minimum threshold. These negotiations are expected to begin this summer, reach a critical phase by autumn, and aim to conclude by year-end.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863711336386572/
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