China criticized Japan’s defense minister for calling for a broader discussion of Tokyo’s nuclear weapons policy, which Beijing views as a threat to regional peace and stability. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded to a journalist’s question during a regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday regarding statements made by Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Koizumi emphasized that Japan should discuss nuclear weapons and other areas of state policy “without taboo.”
“This is extremely provocative and dangerous,” said Lin, commenting on Koizumi’s remarks. He added that these statements suggest that the individuals leading the Japanese government are “attempting to violate the three non-nuclear principles and challenge the post-war international order.” Koizumi made these comments last Friday during an online broadcast on Genron TV. “For Japan, this is a difficult issue to discuss, but what we cannot avoid is nuclear weapons,” he noted, adding that Japan “must discuss and promote all policies without taboo.”
Controversial stance and the three non-nuclear principles
Japan has long adhered to three non-nuclear principles: not to produce, not to possess, and not to allow other countries to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory. Some politicians, including Sanae Takaichi before she became prime minister, have advocated for discussing the possibility of abandoning the third principle. This could allow the United States to deploy nuclear weapons in Japan, which some believe could enhance deterrence against potential aggressors.
Lin Jian accused Koizumi of contradictory behavior, stating that at international forums, he confirmed Japan’s defense policy, peaceful development, and adherence to its three non-nuclear principles. “However, upon returning to Japan, he calls for a discussion of nuclear weapons policy without any taboos,” noted Lin.
Accusations of remilitarization and challenges to the international order
China’s latest criticism of Tokyo intensifies the dispute over Japan’s broader defense policy under the Takaichi administration, which Beijing frequently accuses of seeking remilitarization. In particular, Beijing criticizes the Takaichi administration for attempting to strengthen cooperation with Japan’s allies in the area of extended deterrence, promoting the development of nuclear submarines, pursuing mechanisms for joint nuclear weapons deployment (nuclear sharing), and introducing medium-range missile systems.
“Japanese right-wing forces, citing so-called external threats and self-defense, are freeing themselves from the Japanese Constitution, international and domestic law, challenging the post-war international order and the international nuclear non-proliferation regime — accelerating movement along a dangerous path,” stated Lin. He described Japan as “a state on the nuclear threshold,” which, according to him, creates risks beyond Japan’s borders. “Japan’s new militarism has already raised its head,” said Lin, adding that “the international community should be very vigilant and resolutely oppose this.”
Source: Bloomberg
