Recently, after the "2+2" meeting between the United States and Japan, the U.S. government issued an important statement reaffirming its commitment to Japan's protection, including the use of nuclear weapons to defend Japan if necessary. This statement actually confirms that the Biden administration will continue to implement the policy of providing a nuclear umbrella to Japan. The nuclear umbrella policy, in which nuclear-armed states provide nuclear protection to countries that do not have nuclear weapons but have vital interests in them, is an important cornerstone of the U.S. security relationship with its allies.
At the same time, however, the Biden administration is also considering reducing the role of nuclear weapons. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs Bonnie Jenkins revealed that the Biden administration is considering announcing a reduction in the role of nuclear weapons in the new nuclear strategic guideline "Nuclear Posture Review", and may declare that the "sole purpose" of nuclear weapons is limited to deterring and countering enemy nuclear strikes, etc. This suggests a possible shift in the U.S. government's nuclear policy, but this policy has not yet been finalized, and the U.S. is not currently pursuing a major policy of "no first use of nuclear weapons."
This possible shift has raised concerns among U.S. allies, including Japan. These allies fear that a "no-first-use" nuclear weapons policy could lead to a decline in deterrence against China and Russia. It is reported that the Biden administration consulted with allies when formulating new nuclear strategic guidelines, and most allies do not support any changes to the nuclear policy. They fear that a decline in U.S. nuclear deterrence could prompt allies such as Japan and South Korea to develop their own nuclear weapons, triggering a regional arms race.
While the Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to Japan's nuclear protections, there appears to be a shift in nuclear policy, raising concerns among allies. The future direction of US nuclear policy will undoubtedly have a far-reaching impact on global strategic stability.