Japan, South Korea Reportedly Consider Nuclear Weapons Amid US Security Doubts

Amid growing concerns over the reliability of U.S. security guarantees, especially under President Donald Trump's unpredictable foreign policy and perceived tilt toward Russia, Japan and South Korea are increasingly considering developing their own nuclear weapons. Japanese lawmakers, including former Deputy Defense Minister Rui Matsukawa, express doubts about the U.S. nuclear umbrella and suggest Japan may need a 'Plan B' to independently develop nuclear arms given threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. This marks a significant shift for Japan, the only nation to have suffered atomic bomb attacks, which has long adhered to its 'three non-nuclear principles' prohibiting nuclear weapons development or hosting. In South Korea, public support for indigenous nuclear weapons is high, although the current administration has moderated the rhetoric. The discussions reflect broader regional anxieties about American commitment after Washington's cautious stance on Ukraine and its hesitance in supplying advanced weapons, prompting calls for reconsideration of Japan’s and South Korea's security strategies, including potential nuclear sharing or deployment. Despite these shifts, both nations still value their alliance with the U.S. but seek to reduce dependence amid evolving geopolitical challenges.