WASHINGTON -- The United States' move to create a trilateral consultative body on nuclear deterrence with Japan and South Korea reflects concerns about the increased anxiety among its allies regarding the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
Washington likely hopes to use improved Japan-South Korea relations to cement trilateral security cooperation and form a united front against North Korea and China, among others.
Russia has been dangling the threat of nuclear weapons at the United States and Europe amid its invasion of Ukraine. As if inspired by Russia, North Korea has repeatedly engaged in nuclear provocations, triggering talk in South Korea about the possible acquisition of nuclear capabilities.
