Key facts
- A survey by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed skepticism among strategic elites in Japan and South Korea regarding nuclear weapons development.
- Approximately 75% of South Korean and nearly 80% of Japanese strategic elites expressed opposition or uncertainty about their countries acquiring nuclear weapons.
- The survey suggests that if one nation were to pursue nuclear armament, support for such a move in the other could increase rapidly.
- CSIS experts believe this development could potentially impact nuclear stability in Northeast Asia more significantly than a reduction in U.S. troop presence.
A survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicates that strategic elites in both Japan and South Korea remain largely opposed to or uncertain about developing nuclear weapons. The survey, which concluded at the end of October, included responses from current and former government officials, parliamentarians, academics, think tank experts, and corporate executives.