WASHINGTON (Kyodo) The United States and Japan are arranging official talks on a broad range of security issues, including a topic rarely on the agenda — the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
Involving officials at the director general level from the Foreign and Defense ministries and the U.S. State and Defense departments, the talks will be aimed at enhancing the bilateral alliance in light of the North Korean nuclear and missile threats and China's military buildup, sources knowledgeable about Japan-U.S. relations said Tuesday.
Such talks have not been held since September 2000, according to Japan, although officials at the deputy director general level have met frequently for unofficial talks over the realignment of U.S. forces Japan.