The United States and Japan issued a joint statement following their Bilateral Security Consultations, the culmination of the U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) hosted by Japan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo from June 8-9, 2026.
The EDD was co-chaired by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense, alongside Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense. Participating delegations included representatives from the Japan Joint Staff, U.S. Joint Staff, U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Forces Japan.
U.S. representatives emphasized the ongoing commitment to Japan’s defense, encompassing the full spectrum of American military capabilities, including nuclear options.
Japanese officials reiterated their steadfast support for U.S. military presence and operations critical to regional stability, highlighting this collaboration’s role in deterring potential adversaries through demonstrated capabilities (“deterrence by denial”).
The discussions focused on the U.S. ongoing modernization of its nuclear arsenal and Japan’s evolving defense posture in response to escalating regional security challenges, particularly concerning nuclear proliferation.
Officials from Japan provided insights into the drafting process of their forthcoming National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program.
Both parties pledged to maintain regular dialogues to enhance operational coordination, interoperability between forces, and consistent strategic communication.
Japan expressed strong support for U.S. initiatives aimed at multilateral dialogues focused on strategic stability, seeking to prevent an arms race, discourage nuclear testing, mitigate nuclear threats, and promote openness, including through arms control discussions with China and Russia.
Special attention was given to China’s swift and substantial expansion of its nuclear weapons arsenal, with both sides expressing serious concerns. They also dismissed Russia’s stance that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) nuclear ambitions represent a settled matter, reaffirming their shared objective of achieving the complete denuclearization of the DPRK.
As part of the proceedings, the delegations engaged in a routine strategic exercise.
The visit included an on-site inspection at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Yokosuka Base, where officials observed the JS Kirishima.
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