Japan's potential revision of its decades-old three non-nuclear principles has ignited regional security concerns, with China's Foreign Ministry warning the move could destabilize East Asian stability. Kyodo News reported on November 15, 2025, that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering amendments to Japan's National Security Strategy, marking the most significant potential shift in the country's post-war defense doctrine.
Security Doctrine Under Scrutiny
The proposed changes focus on relaxing the "not introduce" principle that currently bars nuclear weapons from Japanese territory. Government sources suggest this revision aims to strengthen U.S. nuclear deterrence capabilities amid growing regional security challenges. While Japan plans to maintain its "not possess" and "not produce" commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the potential policy shift has drawn sharp criticism from neighboring countries.
China's Stern Response
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed grave concerns during a November 14 press briefing: "Japan's ambiguous stance on nuclear principles and discussions about nuclear-powered submarines represent dangerous deviations from post-war pacifist commitments." The remarks come as Japan simultaneously considers developing nuclear-powered submarine capabilities, with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi citing "severely heightened security challenges" in regional waters.
Historical Echoes and Regional Apprehensions
The debate unfolds during the 80th anniversary year of both the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan's restoration. Analysts note growing unease among Asian neighbors as Japan increases defense spending to 2% of GDP and relaxes arms export restrictions. Domestic opposition remains strong, with anti-nuclear groups invoking the moral legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors.
As the Liberal Democratic Party prepares formal recommendations by spring 2026, the international community watches closely. The developments test Japan's balancing act between security modernization and its constitutional peace commitments, with regional stability hanging in the balance.
