Beijing warns Japan after PM Takaichi’s Taiwan comments fuel nuclear shift concerns
Beijing says Japanese moves mark a ‘major negative policy shift’ as it urges Tokyo to abandon military build-up and regain regional trust
Sanae Takaichi, who took office on October 21, has been considering revising Japan’s long-standing non-nuclear weapons principles, Japanese media reported on Friday citing government sources.
This came after Japan’s defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, urged the country to consider acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, while Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan had “not ruled out any options” on the issue.
Regarding what would be a significant strategic shift for Tokyo from its decades-old principle of “not possessing, producing or permitting the introduction of nuclear arms”, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that China was “seriously concerned”.
“These fully reveal that Japan is making a major negative policy shift, which sends a dangerous signal to the international community,” Lin told a regular press conference on Friday.
“We urge Japan to repent for its history of aggression, stick to the path of peaceful development, stop finding excuses for its military build-up, and take concrete actions to earn the trust from its Asian neighbours and the international community.”