Christopher Landau, U.S. deputy secretary of state, said Saturday that the U.S. and Japan must strengthen their alliance to deter China and North Korea, citing their advancing nuclear programs. The call comes as both nations face an increasingly uncertain global environment and prepare to update their core national strategies.
The U.S.-Japan alliance is a key pillar of regional security, and its strengthening is seen as vital for deterring potential aggression from China and North Korea, which possess advancing nuclear programs.
Christopher Landau, U.S. deputy secretary of state, stated on Saturday, October 24, 2026, that the U.S. and Japan must continue to build their alliance to deter China and North Korea, given their advancing nuclear programs. Landau spoke via video message at the Mt. Fuji Dialogue.
Both nations are navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment and are in the process of updating their core national strategy documents. The U.S.-Japan alliance is seen as a cornerstone in addressing regional instability, with new leadership in both countries and ongoing geopolitical challenges in Asia and Europe.
Discussions between the U.S. and Japan have focused on deepening strategic alignment, enhancing deterrence and response capabilities, and strengthening cooperation in areas such as defense, economic security, and cybersecurity. The U.S. has applauded Japan's increased defense spending and its efforts to bolster the alliance's capabilities.
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