Japan Skips UN Nuclear Treaty Conference, Citing US Deterrence

Japan has decided not to attend a United Nations conference on a treaty banning nuclear weapons, citing national security concerns tied to its reliance on U.S. nuclear deterrence. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that participation could send the 'wrong message' about Japan's defense policy and interfere with its security efforts. Despite being the only country to suffer nuclear attacks, Japan has not signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, arguing that effective disarmament requires the involvement of nuclear-armed states. This decision has drawn criticism from atomic bombing survivors and advocacy groups, including Nihon Hidankyo, which recently won the Nobel Peace Prize and urged the government to participate as an observer. They contend that Japan's stance undermines global disarmament efforts while still relying on the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Japanese officials maintain that while they support a nuclear-free world, they must adopt a pragmatic approach amid escalating global tensions.