Kishida: Japan, Us To Closely Communicate On Ensuring Us 'extended Deterrence'
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has stressed that his country will work closely with the United States to ensure the US "extended deterrence" commitment to Japan.
Kishida was answering questions from a lawmaker from his governing Liberal Democratic Party at a Lower House committee on Thursday.
Former Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori asked about the US military's "extended deterrence" capabilities for Japan that include nuclear weapons.
Onodera said Japan needs to be under the US nuclear umbrella to protect its people, but bilateral trust cannot be fostered if there's a hole in the umbrella.
He asked Kishida whether the summit talks with US President Joe Biden convinced him that Japan can feel reassured regarding "extended deterrence."
Kishida responded that he and Biden reaffirmed that US "extended deterrence" must remain unwavering. He said they agreed on closer communication between their countries, including at the ministerial level, to firmly ensure this.
Kishida added that his government will continue efforts at various levels to reaffirm and maintain bilateral trust.
Onodera also referred to North Korea's firing of ballistic missiles the previous day.
He said a ballistic missile can reach Japan in less than 20 minutes. He said the reality is that if a missile is fired, Japan must deal with the situation using its own defense capabilities until the United States can respond.
Onodera asked that the government consider possessing "counterstrike capabilities" to deal with ballistic missile threats.
Kishida said the government must hold realistic and concrete discussions on what is necessary to protect people's lives and livelihoods amid the severe security environment.
He said the government must rationally consider all options, including possessing "counterstrike capabilities," during discussions to revise the National Security Strategy later this year.