Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The US Department of Defense released its Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) on Thursday and Japanese Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa says Japan strongly supports the latest review.

“The latest NPR clearly articulates the US resolve to ensure the effectiveness of its deterrence and its commitment to providing robust and credible extended deterrence, including nuclear deterrence, to its allies including Japan,” Hayashi said in a statement released by the Foreign Ministry.

The review comes in an international security environment that has become increasingly severe, in particular by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, its build-up of its nuclear arsenal and its threat to use nuclear weapons, but also by the continued development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and China’s military build-up.

“Japan shares with the US the same recognition of this severe security environment,” Hayashi stated. “Japan will strengthen the deterrence of the Japan-US Alliance by closely consulting on extended deterrence, including nuclear deterrence, through the Japan-US Extended Deterrence Dialogue and other consultations at various levels.”

In the latest NPR, the US says it will pursue a comprehensive and balanced approach that places an emphasis on arms control, non-proliferation and risk reduction while reiterating the goal of reducing the role of nuclear weapons.

“Japan, as a state leading realistic and practical efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons, highly appreciates the US position of promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation while ensuring its effective deterrence posture,” Hayashi said. “Japan will continue to closely cooperate with the US to promote tangible nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”