China Warns Japan Against Nuclear Ambitions, Cites Regional Security Risks
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong warning on Monday against any actions Japan might take to change its three non-nuclear principles or permit the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons on its territory. Beijing stated that such steps would weaken the nuclear non-proliferation regime and jeopardize regional security.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized during a press conference that calls from Japanese local councils for adherence to the country’s three non-nuclear principles reflect a public desire for peace. The spokesperson indicated that the government’s actions to abandon its pacifist constitution and adopt armament policies lack public support.
The ministry added that if Japanese officials proceed with altering the three non-nuclear principles to allow for the deployment of nuclear weapons by allies on Japanese soil, they would not only be making a serious provocation against the post-World War II order and the global nuclear non-proliferation system but also acting contrary to Japan’s pacifist commitments and domestic public opinion. Such a course, it warned, would ultimately lead to a heavy price.
In May, Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, had cautioned that Japan and South Korea were preparing for the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons on their territories. Shoigu further accused Washington of strengthening its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and attempting to form new military alliances akin to NATO.
It is important to note that Japan’s three non-nuclear principles are: not possessing nuclear weapons, not producing them, and not allowing the entry or deployment of nuclear weapons on Japanese soil.
