Beattie Report on US Koreas

Q&A Sato & Beattie / US Koreas / Yoichiro Sato, Japanese defense analyst at Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University, says the B-52 missions show the North the United States has the pre-emptive capability of responding to any imminent North Korean provocation. He was asked by Victor Beattie if Japan welcomes the over flights. Sato says there has been a debate among observers in Japan that Tokyo might pursue a more independent strategy in dealing with the North Korean nuclear threat. However, he says policymakers will likely pursue an enhanced U.S./Japan alliance, not move away from it. He says Tokyo views the American nuclear deterrent as the most effective way to prevent a North Korean attack.