Although the U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty with Russia is essentially an issue between the two countries, Tokyo hopes to keep abreast of developments, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Friday.
"This is an issue between the U.S. and Russia," he told reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. "We hope things will develop in the direction in which progress will be made over arms control, arms reduction, nuclear nonproliferation and international security.
"I think talks between the U.S. and Russia are being held closely. Japan also hopes to have close contacts."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda also said Tokyo acknowledges Washington's efforts to establish a post-Cold War security framework and expects the U.S. action will not undermine world peace and order.
"Our government understands President (George W.) Bush's position to seek a new strategic security framework amid changes in the post-Cold War security environment," he said. "We expect the U.S. construction of a new strategic framework will be made in line with the global security framework and will therefore secure peace and security in the world."