Panel report urges Japan to allow U.S. ships with nuclear weapons into its ports

An advisory panel to Foreign Minister Kawaguchi Yoriko on September 18 published a report calling on Japan to allow U.S. nuclear warships to visit its ports and give a broader constitutional interpretation of the right of collective self-defense.

Pointing out that "the issue is to what extent Japan should be allowed to maintain its deterrent to defend Japan considering that North Korea may develop nuclear weapons in high gear," the report insisted that ships carrying nuclear weapons should be allowed to visit Japanese ports. It said that the Three Non-nuclear Principles (not to possess, manufacture, or allow nuclear weapons to be brought into Japan) does not prohibit ships carrying nuclear weapons from making transit port calls in Japan. "The U.S. understanding is that such port calls are not regarded as the 'introduction' of nuclear weapons to Japan," the reports said.

Referring to a possible crisis involving North Korea and the start of the development of missile defense systems, the report proposed that the government change its constitutional interpretation and lift the ban on the right of collective self-defense. (end)