, Columnist
Use the Bogeyman to Confront Japan’s Defense Taboos
Donald Trump’s criticism of the US security treaty with Japan is the perfect cover that Tokyo needs to confront outdated attitudes about defense.
Trump’s criticism of the US security treaty with Japan is worrying Tokyo.
Photographer: Anna Rose Layden/UPIThis article is for subscribers only.
US President Donald Trump caused a stir in Tokyo last week with comments criticizing the unequal nature of his country’s security treaty with Japan.
“The US is obligated to defend Japan, while Japan provides bases to the US. The time has come to change this asymmetrical bilateral treaty.”