This article discusses the automatic extension of the 1988 U.S.-Japan civilian nuclear pact, which remains in effect indefinitely unless either side provides six months' notice for termination. The agreement, unique among U.S. nuclear cooperation agreements, allows Japan to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium from U.S.-origin spent nuclear fuel, raising concerns due to the potential dual-use nature of these activities. Japan's substantial plutonium stockpile—47 tons as of 2016—has drawn criticism for its latent nuclear weapons capability. The extension reflects ongoing U.S.-Japan nuclear cooperation, balancing energy security and nonproliferation concerns, while addressing geopolitical sensitivities related to Japan's nuclear capabilities.
This article discusses the automatic extension of the 1988 U.S.-Japan civilian nuclear pact, which remains in effect indefinitely unless either side provides six months' notice for termination. The agreement, unique among U.S. nuclear cooperation agreements, allows Japan to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium from U.S.-origin spent nuclear fuel, raising concerns due to the potential dual-use nature of these activities. Japan's substantial plutonium stockpile—47 tons as of 2016—has drawn criticism for its latent nuclear weapons capability. The extension reflects ongoing U.S.-Japan nuclear cooperation, balancing energy security and nonproliferation concerns, while addressing geopolitical sensitivities related to Japan's nuclear capabilities.