Japan affirms no-nuke policy after exec’s remarks
Japan is committed to its long-standing non-nuclear principles, the top government spokesperson said Friday, playing down controversial remarks made by a security policy official a day before that suggested the country should arm itself with nuclear weapons.
Calls have emerged from both the ruling and opposition parties to replace the official, whose comments deviate from the country’s long-standing non-nuclear principles. They also came as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, known for her hawkish views on diplomacy and security, is said to be considering a review of the non-nuclear principles.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference that the government’s policy is to maintain the so-called three non-nuclear principles, which prohibit possessing, producing, or permitting the introduction of nuclear arms.
Asked whether the official in question should remain in their post, Kihara was evasive and only said he will refrain from commenting on “each and every media report.”
As the only country to have suffered atomic bombing during war, Japan’s position is to carry on “realistic and practical measures to achieve a world without nuclear weapons for the purpose of maintaining and strengthening” the global nuclear disarmament regime under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Kihara said.
‘No change’
“Since the end of the war, our country has consistently contributed to the peace and prosperity of the international community. There is no change in this stance,” he also said.
The official who came under fire had said “I think we should possess nuclear weapons” when questioned by reporters Thursday. The individual at the same time indicated that such a move was unrealistic and denied discussing reviewing the non-nuclear principles with Takaichi.
Former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), called for the official to be replaced, telling reporters Friday that the prime minister “should carefully select personnel to avoid her Cabinet being labeled as one made up of her friends.”
Tetsuo Saito, leader of the Komeito party known for its dovish stance on defense issues and formerly a coalition partner with the LDP, said the comments “are serious remarks that constitute removal.”
Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the largest opposition force Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said he was “very surprised” by the remarks.
“It’s hard to believe (what the individual said) … It is reasonable to have the person quickly resign,” Noda told a press conference.
The outcry over the remarks came as Takaichi is pushing for a defense policy shift amid the increasingly tough security environment, including a review of the non-nuclear principles deemed as national credo.
