Official announcements from the US Department of Defense or Japan's Ministry of Defense

Japan and US Release December 26, 2024 Guidelines for Extended Deterrence Including Nuclear Protection Amid Regional Security Threats

Dec 27, 2024, 10:16 AM

On December 26, 2024, the governments of Japan and the United States released their first joint guidelines for 'extended deterrence,' aimed at bolstering Japan's defense against increasing threats from China and North Korea. The guidelines emphasize nuclear protection and are a response to the escalating military activities in the region. The details of the guidelines remain undisclosed, but officials from both nations have stated that this initiative marks a significant strengthening of their defense alliance in light of a severe strategic environment. The release of these guidelines is seen as a critical step in enhancing the security framework between the two countries.