Fears of Trump Push Japan to Mull Nuclear Weapons Option

Fears of Trump are forcing Japan to think about the unthinkable: nuclear weapons, writes Reuters. In that country, they have begun to doubt whether Washington will protect them at a fateful moment, in accordance with treaties. "Trump is so unpredictable that maybe that's his strong point, but I think we should always think about a plan B," said former Japanese Deputy Defense Minister Rui Matsukawa.

"Plan B is possibly gaining independence, and then creating nuclear weapons," she added, hinting that Japan could reduce its dependence on US security guarantees.

Neighboring South Korea, which, like Japan, is currently under the US nuclear umbrella, has the same fears. Polls show that up to 75% of the population supports the creation of its own nuclear weapons.

In Japan, support for the development of its own nuclear weapons is smaller. However, interviews with dozens of Japanese lawmakers, government officials, and former high-ranking military officials show a growing willingness to soften Japan's 1967 commitment not to produce, possess, or deploy nuclear weapons on its territory.

Public opinion polls show that among the Japanese public, there is also a growing willingness to reconsider the position on nuclear weapons.

The change in the position of Japan and South Korea, the main pillars of long-standing US dominance in the Pacific region, is due to the loss of confidence of Washington's allies in whether Trump is ready, according to agreements, to fulfill his commitment to protecting their security in full.