GDP should not dictate debate over Japan defense spending: ex-U.S. official

A former senior U.S. defense official said that while he supports a push for Japan to increase its defense spending, the United States should not just focus on a specific share of the ally's gross domestic product, the yardstick favored by the current administration.In an interview this week, Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs under the administration of former President Joe Biden, said changes are also needed on Japan's part to further expand its defense capabilities and roles.New Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Donald Trump will hold t…READ FULL ARTICLE