On October 16th, spokesperson Mao Ning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a regular press conference.
A journalist asked that, according to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine stated during the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives on the 14th that former Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuaki Okada's statement regarding allowing US military forces to enter Japan under exceptional circumstances could be discussed further, implying that exceptions might be established for the "No Nuclear Three Principles." She also commented on the suggestion by the New Party in Japan to introduce nuclear-powered submarines. Given the increasingly frequent military activities of neighboring countries, Japan will conduct specific and realistic discussions based on the trends of countries such as Australia and South Korea, which have already decided to introduce nuclear submarines. What are China's comments on this?
Mao Ning stated that these remarks once again expose the escalating nuclear ambitions of the Japanese ruling authorities. The current Japanese regime ignores its international obligations regarding non-proliferation, attempting to achieve a gradual 'nuclear de-escalation'. They continuously seek to strengthen their deterrence arrangements with allies, aiming to abandon the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles', introduce nuclear submarines, and even contemplate deploying nuclear weapons in Japan. This poses a serious threat to peace and stability in Asia and the world.
Mao Ning emphasized that regarding the issue of adhering to post-war international order and fulfilling international obligations, Japan has no room for 'discussion'. Japan should face up to the concerns of the international community, deeply reflect on Japan's militarist historical crimes, completely abandon any attempts at 're-militarization' and nuclear ambitions, and avoid once again putting itself in opposition to the international community.
A reporter asked that the spokesperson had just responded to Japan's discussions regarding the introduction of nuclear submarines. We noticed that Japanese Defense Minister Nobuaki Kanemasa stated that Japan does not possess either nuclear weapons or strategic bombers. In contrast, China has both types of equipment and yet criticizes Japan. What is China's response to this?
Mao Ning pointed out that Japan is a defeated nation in World War II and a non-nuclear country under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Japan cannot break away from its defensive policy and should not possess nuclear weapons. This is an obligation under international law. Politicians in Japan need to learn about these issues from a historical and legal perspective.
