U.S.-Japan EDD Held in Early June in the United States
Preparation for Potential Crisis in East Asia
On July 27, it was reported that the United States and Japan conducted a tabletop exercise involving the use of U.S. nuclear weapons and related scenarios in the event of a crisis in East Asia, as part of the regular Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) attended by diplomatic and defense officials from both countries.
According to Kyodo News, citing multiple government sources from both countries, the United States established a scenario in which a crisis occurs in East Asia and nuclear weapons are used during a tabletop exercise conducted as part of the Extended Deterrence Dialogue between the two nations.
The two sides reportedly reviewed challenges related to the use of nuclear weapons, such as cooperation depending on the development of the situation and public communication, and discussed the scope of information that the United States would provide to Japan, Kyodo reported.
Kyodo explained, "This is the first time it has been confirmed that Japan and the United States are holding discussions that include U.S. nuclear weapons," and added, "Amid increasing military activities by China, North Korea, and Russia, there is an intention to ensure the effectiveness of the U.S. 'nuclear umbrella.'"
However, Kyodo did not specify when or in what manner the tabletop exercise assuming the use of nuclear weapons took place.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the most recent U.S.-Japan EDD was held in early June last month in Louisiana, United States. This dialogue, which began in 2010, is held one or two times each year.
Last December, both sides also announced for the first time that they had drafted guidelines on extended deterrence, stating that the United States would be involved in Japan's defense with its full range of forces, including nuclear weapons.
Although the detailed contents of the guidelines have not been disclosed, it is known that they include provisions for communication between the two countries regarding the use of U.S. nuclear weapons.
Accordingly, Japanese media reported that, under the "Alliance Coordination Mechanism" (ACM) framework established by the revised U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation Guidelines in 2015, Japan can now convey its views to the United States regarding the use of U.S. nuclear weapons.
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