Eastern View of Military Affairs | Japan's Triple Conspiracy for Nuclear Ambitions

The remarks of Japan's Defense Minister, Kōizumi Shinjiro, attempting to break through the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" and seek nuclear weapons, are becoming increasingly dangerous. Recently, Kōizumi Shinjiro publicly called for discussions on nuclear weapons.

What conspiracy lies behind the reckless statements of Japanese officials advocating for nuclear armament?

CGTN's "Dongguan Military Affairs" interprets for you:

01

Nuclear Policy: Can It Be Changed at Will?

Since 1971, the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" have been the basic policy of the Japanese government regarding nuclear weapons, which are "not to possess, not to manufacture, and not to introduce nuclear weapons." It is reported that the government of Sanae Takaichi is attempting to modify the principle of not introducing nuclear weapons. Kōizumi Shinjiro stated last year that the Japanese government "does not rule out any options" regarding whether to modify the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles." Now, he claims that it is necessary to discuss nuclear weapons to strengthen defense capabilities.

02

Touching the Bottom Line: Premeditated

Loosening the bottom line of the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," the Takaichi government has three conspiracies.

First, it aims to introduce U.S. nuclear weapons as a protective charm for its expansionist provocations and military interventions abroad. Specifically, it seeks to replicate NATO's "nuclear sharing" mechanism, allowing the U.S. military stationed in Japan to build secret warehouses and deploy B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs, ultimately granting the Self-Defense Forces the authority to use U.S. nuclear weapons.

Second, it plans to combine nuclear power technology with combat equipment. Japan is attempting to independently develop or introduce nuclear submarines, forming a maritime offensive fleet with light aircraft carriers, large destroyers, and new frigates to support island seizure and long-range combat operations.

Third, it aims to develop nuclear weapons and long-range missiles to achieve "nuclear-missile integration." Some commentators believe that "Japan has nuclear weapons, just a screwdriver away," which is not an exaggeration. By the end of 2024, Japan is expected to manage a total of about 44.4 tons of separated plutonium domestically and abroad. Additionally, Japan's stored spent fuel includes 191 tons of unseparated plutonium, theoretically capable of producing a large number of nuclear warheads. The primary tools for deploying nuclear weapons are long-range missiles. Against the backdrop of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces vigorously developing hypersonic missiles and long-range cruise missiles, Japan's nuclear armament rhetoric appears exceptionally dangerous.

Japan's dangerous probing on nuclear issues challenges the post-war international order. If Japan's right-wing forces are allowed to act recklessly, promoting the development of powerful offensive weapons or even pursuing nuclear armament independently, it will undoubtedly bring disaster to the international community, with unimaginable consequences.

Source | CGTN

Commentator | Wei Dongxu