Source: Global Times
【Global Times reporter: Su Yanqi】 Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao recently published a signed commentary titled "Japan's Nuclear Weapons Are Not in the Interests of Southeast Asia," authored by Pan Yongqiang, academic director of the Malaysian Chinese Society Research Center. The scholar stated in the article that Southeast Asian countries do not support Japan's nuclear weapons stance. Although the positions of ASEAN countries may vary, if Japan continues to raise the issue of nuclear weapons, it will undermine regional trust and contradict ASEAN's position on maintaining regional security order.
The article said that as the only country in the world to have suffered a nuclear attack, Japan has self-restrained with the "three non-nuclear principles" after the war, but under the U.S.-Japan security system, it accepts the U.S. "nuclear umbrella." However, in recent years, especially after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, discussions within Japan about nuclear weapons and "nuclear sharing" have gradually relaxed, bringing new uncertainties to the East Asian security framework.
From the perspective of Southeast Asia, ASEAN has long maintained a position opposing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Southeast Asian countries jointly signed the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, clearly prohibiting the development, possession, or control of nuclear weapons within the region.
The article believes that the topic of Japan developing nuclear weapons could also lead to an escalation of arms races among East Asian countries and increase the risk of conflict. "In fact, the issue of Japan's nuclear weapons is closely related to major power games such as the U.S.-Japan alliance and the stability of the Taiwan Strait. Southeast Asian countries do not want to be involved in more complex geopolitical situations," the article said. ASEAN countries are more willing for Japan to uphold the "Peace Constitution" and nuclear non-proliferation commitments, and tend to support the region's nuclear-free development through international mechanisms.
The article finally stated that during World War II, Japan launched an aggressive war, causing profound suffering to Asian countries. More than a decade ago, it also caused the Fukushima nuclear accident due to an earthquake. In addition, Japan often has disputes with neighboring countries on issues such as wartime apologies, history textbooks, and right-wing historical views. After the war, Asian neighboring countries still maintain vigilance against Japan's militarism and "right-wing nationalism," including being cautious about its trend towards nuclear weapons. For Southeast Asian countries, ASEAN supports the peaceful use of nuclear energy but opposes nuclear weapons, and has repeatedly reiterated its determination to eliminate weapons of mass destruction. Nuclear-free and nuclear non-proliferation remain the mainstream melody in today's international politics. "The direction of Japan's nuclear weapons does not serve the interests of Southeast Asia; reducing arms races and reducing the risk of war is what is needed for regional stability."
Original: toutiao.com/article/7598469524903559718/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.