Trump could ask Japan to spend over 2% of GDP on defense: ex-defense chief

Former president sees U.S. alliances as transactional, says Mark Esper

20240404N Mark Esper

Mark Esper served as defense secretary under former U.S. President Donald Trump. © Reuters

MASAHIRO OKOSHI, Nikkei Washington bureau chief

WASHINGTON -- If former U.S. President Donald Trump returns to the White House, he could call on Japan to increase defense spending beyond the 2% of GDP Tokyo has already promised, said former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who served under Trump.

Trump could also ask Japan to further increase its host nation support to house U.S. troops. 

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