China Condemns Japan's Discussion on Nuclear Weapons as 'Dangerous'

Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government has condemned a statement by Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi regarding the discourse on openly discussing the country’s nuclear weapons policy. “It is extremely rare, provocative, and dangerous after World War II for a sitting Japanese defence chief to make such a statement. Those running the Japanese government are no longer hiding their wild ambitions to end the three non-nuclear principles and challenge the post-war international order,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated on Friday (18/7) that Japan needs to open a debate on nuclear weapons, as several European countries begin to strengthen deterrence policies based on nuclear power. In an online programme, Koizumi said Japan “cannot avoid” discussing the issue. The statement was made amid the government’s plan to revise three key national security policy documents before the end of the year. “Japan’s current leader advocated for the revision of these principles as a member of Parliament. After taking office, he has accelerated Japan’s remilitarisation and taken a series of dangerous steps in nuclear weapons policy,” Lin Jian stated. Lin Jian noted that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is strengthening cooperation in so-called “extended deterrence,” promoting the development of nuclear-powered submarines, and seeking “nuclear sharing.” He added that Japan has long deliberately maintained the capability for a rapid nuclear breakout, stockpiling approximately 44.4 metric tons of separated plutonium, enough to produce a significant number of nuclear warheads. Furthermore, Lin Jian said that Japanese right-wing forces, under the pretext of “external threats” and “self-defence,” have broken free from Japan’s Constitution, international law, and domestic law, challenging the post-war international order and the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. “By racing down a dangerous path, they are posing a real threat to regional peace and stability. The international community must be highly vigilant and firmly oppose this,” Lin Jian stated. Minister Koizumi cited France and Finland as examples of countries now adopting policies supporting the strengthening of nuclear deterrence capabilities. In June, the Finnish parliament passed a law allowing nuclear weapons to be brought into its territory. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stated in March that his country would increase its number of nuclear warheads. Although Japan is under the protection of the United States’ nuclear umbrella, it is the only country to have suffered atomic bomb attacks. Japan has also long adhered to the three non-nuclear principles of not producing, not possessing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons on its territory. Koizumi said Japan’s security environment is becoming increasingly complex, and therefore the country needs to change the situation where certain issues are considered taboo for discussion. In late 2025, a source involved in security policy formulation under the Takaichi administration stated that Japan should possess nuclear weapons. The statement drew rejection from opposition parties and several countries. Former Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera also stated late last year that Japan needs to re-discuss the future of the three non-nuclear principles it has adhered to.