The US and Japan have confirmed their security treaty could apply to cyber attacks launched on the latter and its territories. The foreign and defence chiefs of both nations outlined Article 5 of the treaty in a statement following talks in Washington. "The United States is committed to providing for collective self-defence as an essential element of our national security," said Gen John Hyten, head of the joint chiefs. These would be specifically evaluated by both on any such occasion. The statement said Japan and the US were working together to prepare for the growing threat posed by rival nations' advances in cyber warfare.
The US and Japan have confirmed their security treaty could apply to cyber attacks launched on the latter and its territories. The foreign and defence chiefs of both nations outlined Article 5 of the treaty in a statement following talks in Washington. It said a cyber attack could be regarded as equivalent to an armed attack “in certain circumstances”. These would be specifically evaluated by both on any such occasion. The statement said Japan and the US were working together to prepare for the growing threat posed by rival nations' advances in cyber warfare.