Japan, U.S. to Hold Security Talks

Washington, July 7 (Jiji Press)--Japan and the United States are considering holding security talks among foreign affairs and defense officials later in July, following North Korea's recent nuclear test and missile launches, informed sources said Tuesday.

At a meeting in June, U.S. President Barack Obama assured South
Korean President Lee Myung Bak that the United States will continue
protecting the Asian neighbor under its nuclear umbrella.
At the coming meeting, Washington is expected to show its intention
to maintain the same stance toward Japan. A U.S. Defense Department official
said that there is no change in the U.S. position that the country will
protect its allies.
The U.S. side is also seen to explain to Japan how U.S. nuclear
weapons should be used in case of emergencies under their joint military
operation plans, the sources said. The two countries will also discuss
stepping up their missile defense cooperation and the realignment of U.S.
forces in Japan.