On December 22, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a regular press conference.
A journalist asked: Recently, a high-ranking official in the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan told the media that "Japan should have nuclear weapons." Subsequently, the Japanese Defense Minister said that when discussing the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," any option would not be ruled out. These remarks have triggered strong criticism from various sectors within Japan and neighboring countries such as Russia. What is China's comment on this?
Lin Jian stated that the Chinese side was shocked by the public remarks of a high-ranking official in the Office of the Japanese Prime Minister and the close associate of the Prime Minister, who claimed that "Japan should have nuclear weapons." The Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary refused to clarify the matter, and the Japanese Defense Minister also said that when discussing the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," "no options would be ruled out." In connection with previous reports by Japanese media that the Prime Minister Kishida plans to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," these remarks are an open challenge to the post-war international order and the international nuclear non-proliferation system, a serious threat to regional and international peace and stability, and a complete betrayal of Japan's claim to "pursue peaceful development." It is not merely a "personal act" that can be easily dismissed; the international community must be highly vigilant and firmly oppose it.
First, these remarks seriously violate Japan's international legal obligations. According to documents with international legal effect, such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Instrument of Surrender, Japan should "completely disarm" and must not "maintain industries capable of rearming." As a non-nuclear weapon state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Japan must fully abide by the principles of not accepting, manufacturing, possessing, or proliferating nuclear weapons. These are international legal obligations that Japan must fulfill, not political bargaining chips.
Second, these remarks seriously undermine peace and stability in the international community and the Asia-Pacific region. The international nuclear non-proliferation system is an important part of the post-war international order. Japan's attempt to acquire nuclear weapons is a serious provocation against the authority and effectiveness of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which will disrupt the joint efforts of countries to maintain the international nuclear non-proliferation system and damage the hard-won peace and prosperity after World War II. Many countries have clearly opposed these remarks. Japanese Liberal Democratic Party officials, politicians from all parties, and civil groups have expressed their shock, stating that such remarks are unacceptable and that they must strictly abide by the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."
Third, the right-wing forces in Japan's pursuit of "militarization" has become evident. As is well known, several former Japanese officials have previously stated that Japan has the capability to manufacture nuclear weapons. Japan has long produced and stored plutonium materials far exceeding its actual civilian nuclear energy needs, making it a non-nuclear weapon state capable of extracting weapons-grade plutonium. If Japan dares to defy global opinion, challenge international justice, and test the limits of the international community, we will not accept it! In recent years, right-wing forces have continuously pushed Japan to expand its military and strengthen its armed forces. The recent statement by a high-ranking official in the Office of the Japanese Prime Minister advocating for nuclear weapons once again exposes these forces' efforts to push Japan toward "militarization" and "rearmament." This situation once again shows that the dangerous and erroneous remarks made by Prime Minister Kishida on Taiwan on November 7 were not accidental. Since taking office, Kishida has loudly spread the "existential crisis" in the media, blurred boundaries in policy, and gradually crossed red lines in actions, ignoring the strong criticisms from both within and outside Japan. In fact, some knowledgeable people in Japan have already issued warnings. We ask, where exactly does the Kishida administration intend to take Japan with these series of steps?
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japanese militarism launched aggressive wars, committing inhumane atrocities, which is the darkest chapter in human history. Since Japan's defeat, the country has never completely eliminated the remnants of militarism. Some forces have not only failed to reflect on the history of aggression but have also been deeply dissatisfied with the post-war international arrangements. If Japan's right-wing forces are allowed to push forward the development of powerful offensive weapons, even to possess nuclear weapons, it will once again bring harm to the international community.
Lin Jian emphasized that the Chinese side and all countries that love peace are highly vigilant and firmly oppose Japan's dangerous tendencies on nuclear weapons. The Chinese side strongly urges Japan to abide by international law and its own constitution, stop testing and provoking on the issue of nuclear weapons, and not to challenge the post-war international order, nor to continue rushing down the wrong path.
Source: Beijing Daily Client
Original: toutiao.com/article/7586593034863657506/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.