Japan’s former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani warned that increased US military focus on the Middle East could weaken the security balance around Japan, citing potential resource shifts from the Indo-Pacific. His remarks come ahead of talks between Sanae Takaichi and Donald Trump. Japan has no plans to deploy forces despite US pressure, though it relies on the region for about 90% of its oil, while calling to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

2026-03-18

Japan’s former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani warned that increased US military focus on the Middle East could weaken the security balance around Japan, citing potential resource shifts from the Indo-Pacific. His remarks come ahead of talks between Sanae Takaichi and Donald Trump. Japan has no plans to deploy forces despite US pressure, though it relies on the region for about 90% of its oil, while calling to strengthen its own defense capabilities.