Reference News Network, December 21 report: Japan's "Mainichi Shimbun" published an editorial on December 20 titled "Cabinet Official Makes 'Pro-Nuclear' Remarks, Prime Minister Takashima Cannot Escape Responsibility," the content is translated as follows:
The remarks of a cabinet official contradict the national concept of a "nuclear-free world" that Japan, the only country to have suffered from nuclear bombing in war, has pursued. Prime Minister Takashima should immediately ask the involved official to retract the remarks and dismiss him from his post.
A cabinet official responsible for security policy told the media: "Japan should possess nuclear weapons." His reasoning was that, given the reality of surrounding countries having large numbers of nuclear weapons, Japan can only ensure its national security by possessing nuclear weapons itself.
Japan has made the "three non-nuclear principles" — "not possessing, not manufacturing, not introducing nuclear weapons" — its national policy. This statement clearly contradicts that principle. It may likely raise suspicions among neighboring countries about whether Japan is seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, which could damage Japan's long-standing credibility in nuclear disarmament and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Since the 1950s, conservative politicians have repeatedly mentioned the possibility of possessing nuclear weapons. In 2022, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also proposed the idea of exploring the possibility of "sharing nuclear weapons" with the United States.
It is worrying that recent comments in Japan about nuclear possession seem to be spreading. During this summer's House of Councillors election, a candidate from the Sakyō Party even claimed that "nuclear armament is the most cost-effective means of ensuring national security."
Prime Minister Hashimoto Harumi had previously stated that it was necessary to reconsider the "not introducing nuclear weapons" clause in the "three non-nuclear principles" before taking office.
However, as the only country that has experienced a nuclear bombing, Japan should take the lead in the process of nuclear disarmament.
As a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Japan should abide by the framework of the treaty. Possessing nuclear weapons is not a realistic option for Japan.
Even if it is committed to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, it should be based on the premise of not possessing nuclear weapons.
This matter directly relates to the position and credibility of the Japanese government. Prime Minister Hashimoto bears an inescapable responsibility for appointing the involved official and must demonstrate through concrete actions Japan's commitment to the nuclear-free path to the international community. (Translated by Shen Honghui)
Original source: toutiao.com/article/7586264461112066570/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.