These principles mean Japan's renunciation of possession
These principles mean Japan's renunciation of possession, production, and importation of nuclear weapons. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday that the idea of Japanese Defense Minister Shinzō Ōhira discussing possible changes in policy regarding nuclear weapons cannot be considered acceptable.
Consensus
- Japan's Minister of Defense Shunshiro Koizumi called for an open discussion on nuclear weapons policy without taboos.
- The discussion concerns Japan's 'three non-nuclear principles'—refraining from possessing, producing, or importing nuclear weapons.
- China expressed strong criticism, calling the remarks provocative and dangerous.
- China accused Japan of attempting to undermine the three non-nuclear principles and the postwar international order.
Points of divergence
- The Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Lin Jian stated that Koizumi's comments were inconsistent with his previous statements at international forums where he affirmed Japan's commitment to non-nuclear principles and a defense-oriented policy. — interfax
- China accused Japanese right-wing forces of violating Japan’s constitution, laws, and international norms by citing external threats to justify changes in nuclear policy. — interfax
- Bloomberg reported that China also criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaiti for expanding defense cooperation with foreign partners, planning atomic-powered submarines, and deploying medium-range missile systems. — interfax
- Koizumi suggested that a doctrinal shift away from the three non-nuclear principles could be formally established by year-end. — kommersant
- Koizumi criticized opposition parties and civil movements for being short-sighted, saying they prioritize preserving the status quo over national defense. — kommersant
- Japan has deployed missile systems on an island in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. — vesti
Coverage (5 sources)
- Bloomberg: China calls Japan's idea of nuclear weapons a provocation — Коммерсантъ
- China sees in Japan's actions an attempt to violate the three non-nuclear principles — Интерфакс
- Japan Revisits Approach to Nuclear Weapons — Коммерсантъ
- Japan's Minister of Defense Calls for Removing Taboo on Nuclear Weapon Discussions — Коммерсантъ
- Japan's Ministry of Defense Chief Calls for Nuclear Weapon Discussion Without Taboos — Вести
Key entities
- Japan
- Shinzō Koizumi
- Bloomberg
- MID
- China
- Moscow
- China
- Tokyo
- INTERFAX.RU
- Media
- Ministry of Defense
- MO
- Nikkei
- Lin Jian
- Lin Jiana
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