China warns Japan against pursuing nuclear weapons

(MENAFN) China has issued a stern warning to Japan after a senior adviser to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reportedly suggested that Tokyo consider developing its own nuclear weapons. The adviser argued that Japan’s reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella may no longer be sufficient and proposed reexamining the country’s post-World War II non-nuclear stance, according to local media reports.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the remarks, describing them as an example of “Japanese right-wing forces attempting to remilitarize and rearm.” Beijing called on Japan to respect the postwar international order and warned that pursuing offensive or nuclear weapons would “once again bring disaster to the world.” The ministry highlighted that certain factions in Japan have not fully reckoned with the nation’s wartime history and remain dissatisfied with the postwar security framework.

Other regional powers echoed China’s concern. North Korea warned that a Japanese nuclear program would lead to “a great disaster,” while Russia cautioned that a shift from Japan’s non-nuclear stance could destabilize security in Northeast Asia and prompt countermeasures from concerned countries.

Within Japan, the remarks received criticism from both ruling and opposition parties, as well as from atomic bomb survivor groups like Nihon Hidankyo. In response, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reiterated that Japan remains committed to its non-nuclear principles and will continue working toward “a world without nuclear weapons,” affirming that no policy changes are planned.

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