Amid rising regional security tensions, Japan is considering a landmark revision to its post-war nuclear doctrine. Reports from Kyodo News indicate that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration is exploring amendments to the 'three non-nuclear principles' as part of a broader overhaul of the National Security Strategy and related defense documents.
A significant doctrine updateJapan’s three non-nuclear principles—neither possess nor produce nuclear weapons, nor permit their introduction—have underpinned its policy since the end of World War II. Sources tell Kyodo that while Takaichi aims to keep the 'not possess' and 'not produce' clauses intact to honor NPT commitments, she may drop the 'not introduce' rule to allow U.S. nuclear-armed ships into Japanese ports during crises.
Voices of concernThe move has sparked pushback on multiple fronts. Domestic anti-nuclear groups warn that relaxing the principles betrays Japan’s moral legacy as the only country to suffer atomic bombings. Meanwhile, at a press briefing on November 14, the Foreign Ministry of the Chinese mainland criticized Tokyo’s stance as a 'major negative shift' that sends a 'dangerous signal' to the international community.
Chinese mainland spokesperson Lin Jian also denounced Takaichi’s comments about the Taiwan region as 'blatantly provocative' and urged Japan to reflect on its wartime history. With the 80th anniversaries of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the restoration of the island of Taiwan, Lin called for renewed commitment to peaceful development.
Next stepsThe ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to kick off internal discussions this winter, aiming for recommendations by spring 2026. If approved, official revisions could be finalized by the end of next year. In parallel, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi recently suggested Japan consider nuclear-powered submarines to bolster deterrence amid an increasingly severe security environment.
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Japan mulls nuclear policy shift as China warns of 'dangerous signals'
cgtn.com
