• Japan's government may state in its revised national security documents, due this year, that it will begin studying whether to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
  • Officials say nuclear boats offer long submerged endurance and speed, which are seen as essential for deterrence as China expands into the Pacific.
  • An acquisition decision would follow several years of research; the ruling LDP backed unspecified next-generation propulsion, while Nippon Ishin urged prompt introduction.