Some context when reading about Japan and South Korea’s recent frank discussion:
“Of America’s five big security partners in the region (Australia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan) discussions with Australia and Japan appear to be the most advanced. They have been told that they should meet targets of 3.5% of GDP—and quickly. When asked about the talks, Australian and Japanese officials show flashes of quiet anger. America has overstepped the mark, they say, by dictating sovereign budgetary decisions.
(…) Australia, South Korea and Taiwan have fiscal positions similar to or better than the median NATO member …
(…) Mr Trump polls poorly in Australia, and Anthony Albanese, its prime minister, seems tempted to profit politically by standing up to him.“
#geopolitcs #asia
https://economist.com/asia/2025/08/14/americas-biggest-ask-in-asia?giftId=59bf99ec-eed1-408e-9705-f56af64eeac0&utm_campaign=gifted_article