US, Japan strengthen nuclear deterrence cooperation in Indo-Pacific

The United States and Japan held an expanded dialogue in Tokyo on nuclear and military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, according to a statement from the US Department of State.

Washington reaffirmed its commitment to defend Japan using the full range of US defence capabilities, including nuclear forces. Japan, in turn, reaffirmed its support for US military forces and operations that contribute to regional peace, stating that this support strengthens deterrence by denial.

“The delegations discussed U.S. efforts to modernize and adapt U.S. nuclear forces, as well as Japan’s defense policy and capabilities, due to increasing regional nuclear threats.  The Japanese side provided an update on the ongoing formulation of its National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program.   

The delegations committed to continue discussions on these issues to strengthen coordination and interoperability, as well as strategic messaging.  Japan strongly encouraged the U.S. pursuit of multilateral strategic stability talks to help avert a nuclear arms race, address concerns about nuclear testing, reduce nuclear risks, and bolster transparency, including through arms control dialogues with China and Russia. 

Both delegations discussed China’s dramatic and opaque nuclear weapons buildup and rejected Russia’s notion that the DPRK’s pursuit of nuclear weapons was a closed issue.  They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK,” the statement added.