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President Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Japan has told lawmakers that the United States expects Japan to increase both its defense spending and financial contributions to house US troops in the country.

Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Japan has hosted US military forces under the US-Japan Security Alliance since 1951, with the arrangement solidified in the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. The US currently maintains around 55,000 troops across approximately 120 bases and facilities in Japan, with the largest concentration in Okinawa. Japan helps cover the costs of these forces through a financial contribution known as host-nation support, which has been in place since 1978. As of recent agreements, Japan pays around $1.4 billion per year to support US troops, covering expenses such as utilities, base maintenance, and Japanese labor costs on American installations. While Japan has increased its defense spending, recent US administrations—particularly under Trump—have pushed for Japan to pay significantly more, arguing that rising regional threats, especially from China and North Korea, warrant a greater financial commitment.

What’s going on now: During his Senate confirmation hearing, US ambassador nominee George Glass stressed that China is the primary security challenge in the Indo-Pacific, requiring Japan to increase its defense spending and financial support for US troops stationed in the country. He pointed to the growing advancements of China’s military capabilities and argued that Japan must invest more in state-of-the-art weaponry, command-and-control systems, and integrated defense strategies to counter China’s influence.

Glass also said that housing and maintaining US forces in Japan is becoming more expensive, making it necessary for Tokyo to contribute beyond its current $1.4 billion annual host-nation support.

Japanese officials have not commented on Glass’s statements made during the hearing.