Underground discussions regarding nuclear deterrence in Japan have ignited tensions across Asia, with China speaking of a dangerous "remilitarization" as Tokyo rushes to deny any change to its postwar nuclear stance. An alarm has been sounded in Russia and North Korea.
Leaks regarding the questioning of the American umbrella
According to local media, a senior, anonymous advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi allegedly argued late last week that Tokyo’s long-standing reliance on the United States nuclear arsenal may no longer be entirely reliable. As reported, he suggested that Japan should potentially reconsider its postwar, non-nuclear policies and pursue its own deterrence capability.
Fierce reaction from Beijing
The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly condemned these reports, characterizing them as yet another example of how "right-wing forces in Japan are attempting to 'remilitarize' and 'rearm' the country." Beijing urged Tokyo not to seek to challenge the postwar international order and to stop walking even deeper down the wrong path.
In its official announcement, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that "certain forces within Japan have not only failed to conduct self-criticism regarding the history of Japanese aggression but are also deeply dissatisfied with the postwar international settlement." It further warned that if the country's right-wing forces are allowed to develop powerful offensive weapons or even acquire nuclear arms, it will "once again trigger a catastrophe for the world."
Concern in North Korea and Russia
Beijing’s warning found resonance with Japan's other neighbors. North Korea stated that Japan’s acquisition of nuclear weapons would lead to a "great disaster," while Russia argued that a departure from Tokyo's non-nuclear stance would undermine security in Northeast Asia and provoke reactions from countries feeling threatened by such militarization.
Internal reactions in Japan
These reports also sparked intense reactions within Japan, which remains the only country to have suffered nuclear strikes. The statements were criticized by both government and opposition parties, as well as by the atomic bomb survivors' association, Nihon Hidankyo.
Official denial from Tokyo
Shortly after the information was made public, government spokesperson Minoru Kihara reiterated Japan’s commitment to maintaining its non-nuclear status, making it clear that there is no policy change on this issue. He added that Tokyo will continue to pursue measures "to achieve a world without nuclear weapons."
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