Nuclear deterrence is taking center stage in Japan s security policy after Russia s threat to use nuclear weapons in its war against Ukraine, with Tokyo re-emphasizing the centrality of the U.S. nuclear umbrella amid regional tensions heightened by China s muscle flexing.
The bilateral alliance with Japan remains "a credible deterrent" against adversaries, the new commander of U.S. forces in Japan says at a time when China is trying to increase its clout in the region.
Major Japan life insurers shun investing in nuke weapon-linked firms
Four major Japanese life insurers do not invest in or extend loans to producers of nuclear weapons or companies related to them, Kyodo News learned Saturday, as part of their efforts toward socially responsible investing.
The revelation comes as various lenders in Japan, Europe and the United States have refrained from investing in companies involved in the nuclear weapons industry.
It also precedes the entry into force in January of a U.N. treaty that will ban such weapons.
A U.S. forces B-2 stealth bomber is being refueled in July 2006. (UPI/Kyodo)