US, Japan To Sign First Joint Nuclear Defence Document – WE News English

TOKYO: Japan and the United States are set to sign the first joint document on nuclear defence and deterrence policy which contains Washington’s determination to protect Japan by various means and bolster security cooperation.

According to reports from Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, the joint document will outline a comprehensive deterrence policy, emphasizing the United States’ commitment to safeguarding Japan through various means, including nuclear capabilities.

The agreement is expected to delineate specific scenarios where the US could take retaliatory measures on behalf of Japan, both in peacetime and during emergencies.

“The document will reflect the shared stance of both countries on realizing an effective deterrence policy,” the report stated.

The upcoming talks, scheduled to be held in Tokyo later this month between Japanese and US defence chiefs, will focus on finalizing the contents of the document, the report also said. This significant step marks an evolution in the longstanding defence cooperation between the two allies.

The decision to forge a formal joint nuclear defence framework comes amid growing concerns over potential nuclear threats posed by China and Russia, the report added.

Since the establishment of the Extended Deterrence Dialogue in 2010, Japanese and US officials have engaged in ongoing consultations to sustain and strengthen extended deterrence. These dialogues, attended by foreign policy and defence officials from both nations, have been pivotal in shaping the cooperative defence strategies outlined in the upcoming joint document.