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Japan Cancels Key Security Meeting Amid Election Tensions

6/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Japan has called off a crucial "two-plus-two" security meeting with the U.S., following Washington's push for a defense spending hike to 3.5% of GDP. This move is intertwined with Japan's looming upper house elections on July 20, raising stakes for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration as tensions rise.

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Story summary

Japan has called off a crucial "two-plus-two" security meeting with the U.S., following Washington's push for a defense spending hike to 3.5% of GDP. This move is intertwined with Japan's looming upper house elections on July 20, raising stakes for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration as tensions rise.