Three Non-Nuclear Principles

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Japan should be urged to abide by its Three Non-Nuclear Principles, the longstanding policy barring Japan from possessing, producing or allowing nuclear weapons on its territory. The remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions and debate over nuclear policy in East Asia, renewing attention to Japan's stated commitments.

Japanese leaders have for the first time openly discussed nuclear weapons, a step that has drawn sharp criticism from China. The conversation touches one of the most sensitive taboos in postwar Japan, which has long committed to its three non-nuclear principles, and Beijing views the shift as a provocation with implications for regional security.

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is calling for an open national debate on nuclear issues, including the possibility of nuclear-powered submarines. Any move to discuss nuclear options marks a highly sensitive shift in Japan, the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, where postwar policy has long adhered to the three non-nuclear principles. The proposal is drawing attention to how far Tokyo's security debate may go amid regional tensions.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Japan should be urged to strictly abide by its Three Non-Nuclear Principles, the longstanding policy of not producing, possessing or allowing nuclear weapons on Japanese territory. The remarks come amid ongoing debate over regional security and Japan's defence posture, with Beijing pressing Tokyo to keep its commitments on nuclear non-proliferation.