Why is Trump now calling for a stronger US-Japan alliance after past criticism?

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Trump Calls for Stronger US-Japan Alliance Despite Prior Criticism

US President Donald Trump marked the 60th anniversary of the current US-Japan security treaty with a call for a stronger and deeper alliance, a shift from his previous criticisms of the pact. Six months prior to this statement, Trump had publicly described the treaty as "unfair" and suggested it needed to be changed, reflecting his long-standing view that Japan benefited from US defense without contributing equally. The treaty, signed in 1960 and revised from an earlier 1951 agreement, obligates the United States to defend Japan while Japan provides crucial military bases for US power projection in Asia.
Trump's Previous Concerns Regarding the Treaty

Previously, in June of the preceding year, President Trump had publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the US-Japan security treaty. He characterized the pact as "unfair" and indicated a desire for its alteration. These remarks aligned with his established perspective that Japan was a "free-rider" in terms of defense, implying that the security arrangement disproportionately benefited Japan without commensurate Japanese investment or commitment.
The Nature of the US-Japan Security Treaty

The foundational US-Japan security treaty, first established in 1951 and subsequently revised in 1960, outlines a mutual defense obligation. Under its terms, the United States is committed to the defense of Japan, a nation that renounced the right to wage war in its post-World War Two constitution. In return, Japan grants the US access to vital military bases, which are instrumental for projecting American power across the Asian continent.
Historical Context of the Treaty Revision

The revision of the security treaty in 1960 occurred during the premiership of Nobusuke Kishi, the grandfather of then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This particular revision led to significant public opposition within Japan. Critics feared that the strengthened pact would inevitably draw their country into potential conflicts, an outcome that ultimately contributed to Kishi's resignation from office following the treaty's ratification.

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Why is Trump now calling for a stronger US-Japan alliance after past criticism?

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