[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Japanese government stated that it has no plans to possess nuclear-powered submarines in response to the United States' decision to support Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
Katsunobu Kato, Chief Cabinet Secretary of the Japanese government, said at a press conference on the 16th, "I understand that there have been various discussions in our country (Japan) regarding the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines," responding to related questions.
Secretary Kato explained, "Currently, the National Defense Program Guidelines and the Mid-Term Defense Program plan to acquire one conventional submarine each year," adding, "I believe this is aimed at maintaining the necessary defense capabilities."
Earlier, on the 15th (local time), the United States launched a new trilateral security alliance in the Indo-Pacific region called 'AUKUS' with the United Kingdom and Australia, and decided to support Australia's possession of nuclear-powered submarines together with the United Kingdom.
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