Japan recently hosted the United States for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo from June 8 to June 9, 2026. The high-level strategic talks were co-chaired by the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, alongside Japan’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense. The bilateral delegations included key military leadership and participants from the Japan Joint Staff, the U.S. Joint Staff, U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Forces Japan.
Nuclear Deterrence and Strategic Modernization
During the dialogue, the United States unequivocally reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Japan, emphasizing its readiness to use the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including its nuclear arsenal. In return, Japan reaffirmed its robust support for U.S. forces and operations that maintain regional peace, noting that this logistical and strategic support directly contributes to deterrence by denial.
To address increasing regional nuclear threats, the delegations engaged in deep discussions regarding U.S. efforts to modernize and adapt its nuclear forces. In tandem, the Japanese side provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing formulation of its National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program. Both nations committed to continuing these discussions to further strengthen military coordination, strategic messaging, and interoperability.
Regional Threats and Arms Control
The dialogue also focused heavily on broader regional security concerns. Both delegations expressed deep concern over China’s dramatic and opaque nuclear weapons buildup. Additionally, they firmly rejected Russia’s recent notion that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) pursuit of nuclear weapons is a closed issue, explicitly reaffirming their shared commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Furthermore, Japan strongly encouraged the United States to pursue multilateral strategic stability talks. These proposed talks aim to avert a regional nuclear arms race, address ongoing concerns about nuclear testing, reduce risks, and bolster transparency through direct arms control dialogues with both China and Russia. To conclude the meetings, the delegations conducted a routine tabletop exercise and visited the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Yokosuka Base to observe the destroyer JS Kirishima.
Reference
Joint Statement on the June 2026 U.S.-Japan Extended Deterrence Dialogue – United States Department of State. (2026, 10 junio). United States Department Of State. https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/06/joint-statement-on-the-june-2026-u-s-japan-extended-deterrence-dialogue/