China issues working paper on Japan's nuclear ambitions

BEIJING: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has released a working paper raising concerns over Japan’s potential pursuit of nuclear weapons, urging Tokyo to adhere strictly to global non-proliferation commitments.

The document calls on Japan to abide by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and uphold its long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles — not possessing, not producing, and not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into its territory.

According to the paper, Japan has in recent years engaged in what it described as “negative rhetoric and actions” regarding nuclear weapons, with some officials openly discussing revising the country’s non-nuclear stance. It also pointed to Tokyo’s revisions of its national security strategy and a steady rise in military spending over the past 14 years as signs of a potential shift toward militarization.

China urged Japan to “learn from history,” sever ties with what it termed neo-militarism, and remain committed to its pacifist constitution and international obligations. The document warned that any move by Japan to develop offensive capabilities or acquire nuclear weapons would pose serious risks to global peace and stability.

It further called on the international community to remain vigilant, cautioning countries to carefully assess nuclear cooperation with Japan in light of what it described as growing motivations for nuclear capability.

The paper also urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to strengthen safeguards, verification mechanisms, and monitoring of Japan’s nuclear activities to ensure early detection of any non-peaceful developments.

The release of the document underscores rising regional tensions and competing security narratives in East Asia, particularly amid shifting defense policies and evolving geopolitical dynamics.