"US-Japan Respond to China-Russia Nuclear Threats... First Joint Document on 'Extended Deterrence for Japan' in Progress"

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 21st, citing multiple Japanese government officials, that the US and Japanese governments have solidified their plan to create a joint document on extended deterrence, which involves protecting Japan with US nuclear forces, for the first time.

According to the report, the US and Japan are pushing to finalize a joint document within the year that reflects the outcomes of extended deterrence discussions regularly held since 2010 by diplomatic and defense officials from both countries. The two nations plan to include in the joint document a resolution that the US contributes to deterring contingencies around Japan through nuclear weapons and other means.

Yomiuri also reported that the document is expected to outline and describe the various military capabilities the US would provide, assuming a range of scenarios from peacetime to contingencies. While the detailed contents of the joint document on extended deterrence will not be disclosed for security reasons, it is anticipated that the fact of its creation will be made public.

Prime Minister Kishida Meets U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander
(Tokyo AP·Kyodo=Yonhap News) On the 29th, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with Samuel Paparo, U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander, who visited the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo. During the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida stated, "We will coordinate to enhance the deterrence capability of the Japan-U.S. alliance." 2024.05.30
passion@yna.co.kr
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The newspaper analyzed that the background for the US and Japan’s intention to formalize extended deterrence, which has included classified information and whose consultation details have been reluctant to be disclosed, lies in the increasing nuclear threats from China and Russia. Yomiuri stated, "The US and Japanese governments aim to enhance deterrence by clearly affirming through the document that the US’s extended deterrence policy remains unwavering."

The two countries are expected to confirm their plan to hold ministerial-level extended deterrence consultations between the US and Japan in conjunction with the upcoming '2+2' meeting of foreign and defense ministers scheduled for late this month in Tokyo, Yomiuri reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.