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The United States and Japan have officially established their first guidelines for extended deterrence, creating a framework for Japan to communicate its views on the potential use of nuclear weapons by the US.

What’s the deal: According to Japanese news outlet Yomiuri Shimbun, the new guidelines aim to boost Japan’s security by formally allowing Japan to share its views with the US on the potential use of nuclear weapons during emergencies. This system, called the Alliance Coordination Mechanism (ACM), ensures regular communication between Japanese and US military leaders, ranging from routine talks to high-level discussions involving government officials.

Kn Area

The ACM operates during both peace and crisis, giving Japan a voice in US nuclear strategy while leaving final decisions to Washington. Japanese officials told Yomiuri that the initiative seeks to strengthen the US nuclear umbrella and deter threats from North Korea and China.

This all comes against the backdrop of growing threats from North Korea, which has aggressively advanced its nuclear weapons and missile programs in recent years. Since its sixth nuclear test in 2017, North Korea has improved its ballistic missile capabilities and launched a satellite into space. South Korean intelligence reports suggest that Pyongyang may be planning another nuclear test to further refine its warhead technology. In addition, North Korea is receiving new technology from Russia in exchange for North Korean troops assisting in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

Adding to the regional challenges, China continues its rapid military buildup, with projections indicating it will possess more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030.

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