U.S. secretary of state emphasizes importance of maintaining 'nuclear umbrella' over Japan

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

U.S. secretary of state emphasizes importance of maintaining 'nuclear umbrella' over Japan

En route to Japan on February 15, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said to reporters traveling with her that Japan will continue to be under the U.S. 'nuclear umbrella.' "It remains as strong as it has ever been," she said.

Asked by a reporter if she will "reassure the Japanese that the U.S. nuclear umbrella is still strong and will still protect our Asian allies", Clinton answered, "(A)s to the question about our nuclear umbrella, we continue to support the policy of extended deterrence that provides protection as part of our alliance with Japan. It remains as strong as it has ever been. We are absolutely committed to it, and we'll be discussing that and other matters with Japanese officials."

At the joint press conference on February 17 following the talks with Clinton, Japanese Foreign Minister Nakasone Hirofumi stated that the U.S. secretary of state had expressed U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan with nuclear deterrence and added that the commitment is welcome.

- Akahata, February 19, 2009