The U.S. has unveiled its first National Security Strategy of Donald Trump's second term, urging allies like Japan to significantly boost defense spending and shoulder more regional duties. The document introduces a vague 'burden-sharing network' and stresses fair treatment in alliances.
The White House quietly released the new National Security Strategy late Thursday in Washington. This document, the first of President Donald Trump's second term, echoes his long-held belief that the U.S. alliance system is 'one-sided' in favor of allies—a stance that has unsettled Tokyo and raised doubts about Washington's dedication to the security treaty and broader regional stability.
The strategy calls on Japan and other U.S. allies to spend 'far more' on defense and take on greater responsibilities in their regions. It outlines a vague plan for a 'burden-sharing network' and declares: 'From military alliances to trade relations and beyond, the United States will insist on being treated fairly by other countries.'
Keywords associated with the release include U.S.-Japan relations, U.S.-China relations, Taiwan, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), defense budgets, and figures like Donald Trump and Sanae Takaichi, though no direct mentions of the latter appear. The strategy was published on December 6, 2025.