Others still insist that Japan can become increasingly independent of America's security umbrella, perhaps by building up its own forces, but at the same time remain doveish towards China.

ECONOMIST: Friends and neighbours

He adds that east Europeans, keen on NATO's security umbrella, will never trust joint European defence as long as they have lingering suspicions that it is a French scheme to weaken NATO.

ECONOMIST: France and NATO

Kristensen says that during the Cold War, Japan faced a tough choice between seeking national security under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and telling the public the truth.

NPR: Japan Confirms Secret Nuclear Pacts With U.S.