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Japan PM office source hints at need for nuclear weapons amid policy review
Source close to PM Takaichi urges Japan to acquire nuclear arms; policy shift from pacifism may spark backlash at home and abroad
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A source within Japan’s prime minister’s office said on Thursday that the country needs nuclear weapons, remarks that deviate from the country’s long-standing non-nuclear principles and could trigger backlash at home and abroad.
“I think we should possess nuclear weapons,” said the source, who is involved in devising security policy under the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, while also indicating that such a move is unrealistic.
The remarks came as Takaichi, known for her hawkish security views, is considering reviewing Japan’s non-nuclear principles, long upheld given the country’s status as the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings.
During the exchanges with reporters, the source was asked about the idea of possessing nuclear arms.
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Acknowledging the necessity of the destructive weapons, the source said, “In the end, we can only rely on ourselves.”
The individual, however, also said, “It isn’t something that can be done quickly, like just going to a convenience store to buy something.”
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Government sources earlier said that Takaichi, who also heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was considering reviewing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which prohibit possessing, producing, or permitting the introduction of nuclear arms.
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