
Tokyo snubs Washington: Japan pulls plug on 2+2 security talks with US; defence budget demand sparks row
Japan has cancelled a high-level meeting with its closest ally United States, after the Trump administration abruptly demanded Tokyo to spend more on defence, reported The Financial Times on Friday.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio and defence secretary Pete Hegseth were expected to meet their Japanese counterparts, defence minister general Nakatani and foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya in Washington on July 1, for an annual 2+2 security talks.
However, Tokyo called off the meeting after the US asked Japan to raise its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, up from an earlier request of 3 per cent, according to three sources familiar with the discussions, including two officials based in Tokyo, cited by the newspaper.
A senior Japanese official stated that the decision to cancel the July 1 meeting was also influenced by the upcoming upper house elections on July 20, where the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is anticipated to lose seats.
Reuters quoted a US government official confirming, Japan had 'postponed' the meeting and the decision was made weeks earlier, though no reason was provided. Meanwhile, a non-government source familiar with the matter confirmed hearing about Japan's withdrawal from the talks but was also unaware of the motive behind the move.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
The Financial Times said, the new, increased demand came in recent weeks by Elbridge Colby, the third-most senior official in the Pentagon, who also recently stirred tensions with another major US ally in the Indo-Pacific by initiating a review of AUKUS, the nuclear-powered submarine deal with Australia.
The tensions of security come as Japan and other US allies have been engaged with the United States in a tough trade talk over US President
Donald Trump
's worldwide tariff onslaught.
While speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue defence forum in Singapore last month, Hegseth urged Asia-Pacific allies to follow the 'newfound example' set by Europeans in boosting defence spending, pointing to regional threats from China and North Korea.
'The US is now playing hardball with allies in the Asia-Pacific,' one defence official was quoted.
In March, Elbridge Colby's call for Japan to boost its defense spending, at his Senate confirmation hearing for under secretary of defense for policy, prompted a sharp response from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who asserted that Japan's defense budget would be determined by Tokyo alone, not by outside pressure.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Indian Express
35 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Trump, EU chief seek deal in transatlantic trade standoff
TUNBERRY, UK: US President Donald Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen were set for make-or-break talks in Scotland Sunday, aimed at ending a months-long transatlantic trade standoff, as negotiations went down to the wire. Trump has said he sees a one-in-two chance of a deal with the European Union, which faces an across-the-board US levy of 30 percent unless it strikes a trade pact by August 1 -- with Washington warning Sunday there would be "no extensions." Von der Leyen's European Commission, negotiating on behalf of EU countries, is pushing hard for a deal to salvage a trading relationship worth an annual $1.9 trillion in goods and services. According to an EU diplomat briefed ahead of the meeting, set for 4:30 pm (1530 GMT), the contours of a deal are in place after talks went late into Saturday night -- but key issues still need settling. And of course the final word lies with Trump. "A political deal is on the table -- but it needs the sign-off from Trump, who wants to negotiate this down to the very last moment," the diplomat told AFP. The proposal, they said, involves a baseline levy of around 15 percent on EU exports to the United States -- the level secured by Japan -- with carve-outs for critical sectors including aircraft and spirits, though not for wine. Any deal will need to be approved by EU member states -- whose ambassadors, on a visit to Greenland, were updated by the commission Sunday morning, and would meet again after any accord. According to the EU diplomat, the 27 countries broadly endorsed the deal as envisaged -- while recalling their negotiating red lines.


Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Man Ki Baat: PM Modi praises astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla; says new wave of curiosity for space among kids
File photo (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Ahead of the National Space Day, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India's growing capabilities in space sector, mentioning the achievement of IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's recent journey to International Space Station, talked about a new wave of curiosity about space among children and pointed out that today more than 200 startups have come up in the space sector alone. Talking about Shubhanshu Shukla, who was one of the four crew members of the Axiom-4 mission to ISS, PM Modi, in his 124th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, said, 'We shall touch upon the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen.' He said when Shukla landed back on Earth, a 'wave of happiness rippled through every heart' and added that the 'whole country was filled with pride.' PM Modi also highlighted how the success of Isro's Chandrayaan-3 mission created an atmosphere of curiosity in the country for space endeavours. 'I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science, about space. Little children now say, we will also go to space; we will also land on the Moon — we will become space scientists," PM Modi said. PM Modi specifically mentioned the 'INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan,' which promotes innovation among children by providing them with a platform to develop innovative ideas rooted in science. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 'In this, five children are selected from each school. Each child brings up a new idea. So far, lakhs of children have joined this, and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled,' he said. PM noted a rise in India's space startups, pointing out that the number has almost quadrupled in the last five years. 'Five years ago, there were fewer than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200," he said. Further noting the upcoming National Space Day on August 23, PM Modi said, "How will you celebrate it..., do you have any new ideas? Do send me a message on the NaMo App'. PM Modi also mentioned the recent achievements of students in the science and mathematics fields, giving a shout-out to the brightest minds. 'In 21st-century India, science is progressing with renewed energy. A few days ago, our students won medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad. India has also strengthened its image in the world of mathematics. In the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, our students won 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal," PM Modi said. He also announced that an Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad is going to be held in Mumbai next month. This will be the biggest Olympiad to date, he noted. The PM also hailed the development of Unesco recognising 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. 'Eleven forts in Maharashtra; one in Tamil Nadu. Each fort has a chapter of history attached to it. Every stone is a testimony to a historical event... Salher Fort, where the Mughals were defeated, Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. A fort that is unbreachable for the enemy. Khanderi Fort is an amazing fort built in the middle of the sea,' he said. 'The enemy wanted to stop him, but Shivaji Maharaj made the impossible possible. Pratapgarh Fort, where Afzal Khan was defeated, the echo of that saga still remains entrenched in the walls of the fort. Vijaydurg, which had secret tunnels, is proof of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's farsightedness. I visited Raigad a few years ago... bowed in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. This experience will stay with me all my life,' Modi said. He said sometimes a task comes across as impossible to some people, but when the country comes together on one thought, even the impossible becomes possible. '' Swachh Bharat Mission ' is the biggest example of this. Soon, this mission will complete 11 years. But its strength and its need are still the same,' he said. In these 11 years, 'Swachh Bharat Mission' has become a mass movement, and people consider it their duty, and this is real public participation, Modi said. 'The Swachh Survey conducted every year has lifted this feeling further. This year, more than 4500 cities and towns of the country joined it. More than 15 crore people participated in it. This is not an ordinary number. This is the voice of Swachh Bharat,' he said.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Dubai brokers earn a stunning AED 3.23 billion in just six months, land department reveals
Dubai's 29,577 registered brokers facilitated 42,181 transactions in H1 2025, nearly doubling commissions to AED 3.23 billion/ representative Image A Record Year in the Making Dubai's real estate market is not just having a good year, it's having its best one yet. In the first six months of the year, the market recorded its strongest mid-year performance to date. Total real estate transactions reached over AED 431 billion (approx. $117 billion) representing a 25 percent year-on-year increase. This growth was not only driven by property sales, but also by a wider set of real estate procedures that reflect a healthy and active market. Behind these numbers is a combination of policy changes, local and foreign investor confidence, and the steady expansion of supporting sectors such as real estate brokerage. Government strategies like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the First Time Home Buyer Program have made it easier for residents and new investors to enter the market, while improved digital infrastructure and regulatory clarity have reduced friction in buying and selling property. This is not a short-term trend. The numbers show increasing participation from UAE residents, first-time buyers, and professionals working in real estate services, indicating that the market's growth is built on a broad base. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Luxury Awaits at Paras Floret Paras The Florett Book Now Undo The Engine of Growth: Brokers Take Center Stage Real estate brokers have played a central role in Dubai's property surge this year. In the first half of 2025, 42,181 transactions were completed through brokers. These deals generated more than AED 3.23 billion (approx. $880 million), in commissions, nearly double the AED 1.62 billion ($440 million) earned in the same period in 2024. This marks a 99 percent increase year-on-year. A significant reason for this spike is the sheer growth in the number of professionals entering the field. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) now lists 29,577 registered brokers, including 6,714 newcomers who joined in H1 2025 alone. This influx reflects growing trust in the sector, and in brokerage as a viable, high-value profession contributing meaningfully to the city's real estate infrastructure. A Rise in Women Brokers One standout development in the brokerage landscape is the rise of female participation. Today, 10,100 women are actively working as brokers, contributing to 13,424 transactions and generating nearly AED 1.43 billion (approx. $390 million) in commissions. Their growing presence highlights a shifting dynamic in deal-making, with women playing increasingly central roles in sales, negotiations, and client relationships. Beyond Transactions: A Wider Ecosystem The brokerage ecosystem now includes 1,223 registered brokerage offices and 78 property valuation offices employing 118 licensed valuers. In addition, 2,426 registered real estate services offices continued to play a pivotal role in the sector. During the first half of the year, Real Estate Registrations and Services Trustees Offices facilitated 114,848 transactions, serving 86,398 customers, marking a 15% increase in the number of customers compared to the same period last year. These offices handle key functions such as documentation, transaction processing, and regulatory compliance, forming a reliable bridge between buyers, sellers, and developers. This support network reinforces Dubai's position as a transparent, well-regulated, and investor-friendly real estate market. The Bigger Picture: Unprecedented Market Performance Zooming out, the broader real estate landscape in Dubai is thriving at every level. H1 2025 marked the strongest mid-year performance on record, with 125,538 real estate transactions, This is a 26 percent increase compared to the 99,947 transactions during the same period last year. The total value of these transactions rose from AED 345 billion (approx. $94 billion) in H1 2024 to AED 431 billion (approx. $117 billion) in H1 2025, reflecting a 25 percent annual increase. Over 1.3 million procedures were logged, ranging from property sales to leasing and renewals, illustrating a deeply liquid and dynamic market. Importantly, this wasn't just a frenzy of activity, it was strategic and sustained, supported by significant investor interest and long-term buying behavior. First-Time and Local Investor Investor participation has also increased. A total of 94,717 investors were active in the market in H1 2025, up 26 percent from the previous year. These investors carried out 118,132 investments with a combined value of AED 326 billion, equivalent to approximately 88.8 billion US dollars. This compares to AED 234 billion, or 63.8 billion US dollars, in H1 2024, reflecting a 39 percent increase in value. Within this group, 59,075 were first-time investors, marking a 22 percent rise from last year. These new participants contributed AED 157 billion, or 42.8 billion US dollars, to the market, which represents a 40 percent increase in investment value year-on-year. Notably, nearly 45 percent of these first-time investors were UAE residents, showing that government incentives and housing programs are succeeding in turning long-term residents into property owners. A Global Capital Magnet In the first half of 2025, Dubai attracted diverse capital inflows from key investor groups including: Foreign investors: AED 228.35 billion (approx. $62.2 billion) Arab (non-GCC) nationals: AED 28.4 billion (approx. $7.7 billion) GCC citizens: AED 22.56 billion (approx. $6.15 billion) The market also saw strong participation from women investors. A total of 30,487 women executed 34,792 transactions, with a total value of AED 73.2 billion($19.9 billion). This reflects increasing involvement of women in wealth-building and property ownership, aligning with the broader trend of inclusive economic growth. Where the Money Is Going: Top Investment Zones Dubai's property boom is geographically diverse. While traditional hotspots remain strong, newer zones are emerging with high transaction volumes and investment value: Top by Number of Deals: Al Barsha South Fourth: 10,469 transactions Al Yalayis 1: 7,595 Wadi Al Safa 5: 7,178 Business Bay: 6,601 Dubai Marina: 6,428 Airport City: 5,569 Top by Transaction Value: Dubai Marina: AED 25.1 billion ($6.83 billion) Business Bay: AED 22.5 billion ($6.12 billion) Burj Khalifa Area: AED 17.1 billion ($4.65 billion) Palm Jumeirah : AED 16.96 billion ($4.61 billion) Other Notables: Al Yalayis 1, Meaisem Second, Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens , each logging over AED 14 billion ($3.8 billion+) This mix of waterfront developments, luxury zones, and emerging communities signals both a diversified portfolio of investor preferences and a robust supply pipeline. What's Fueling the Boom: Policy, Planning, and Trust Dubai's real estate success story in 2025 isn't accidental. It's the result of deliberate strategies, both legislative and visionary. Key drivers include: The D33 Economic Agenda: Aiming to position Dubai among the top three global cities economically. Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033: Focused on long-term resilience, inclusion, and affordability. First Time Home Buyer Program: Offering preferential access, lower fees, and attractive mortgage terms for new buyers. Digital Reforms: Streamlined DLD services and transparent regulations. Stable Environment: In an increasingly volatile world, Dubai offers a mix of high returns, legal safety, and ease of doing business. Together, these efforts have redefined Dubai from a transactional real estate market to a structured, investor-driven hub rooted in public-private partnership and long-term urban development.