As Asia marks a significant milestone in global disarmament, a longstanding issue continues to cast a shadow over regional relations. On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, which coincided with the 29th anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), China called on Japan to accelerate efforts to fully destroy its abandoned chemical weapons left on Chinese soil during World War II.
At a regular press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the unresolved matter, framing it as a critical international obligation. "The chemical weapons abandoned in China by Japan are one of the grave crimes committed by Japanese militarists during its war of aggression against China," Lin stated. He emphasized that, decades after the conflict's end, these relics continue to pose a direct threat. "To this day, these weapons are still endangering the safety of Chinese people's lives and property, as well as the ecological environment."
The issue is governed by strict international deadlines. Under the CWC, Japan was originally required to complete the destruction of all chemical weapons it abandoned in China by 2007. However, this deadline has been extended multiple times, a point highlighted during the briefing. Spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that the removal and destruction of these munitions is not a discretionary act but a "mandatory international obligation."
Beijing's call for Tokyo to expedite the process is rooted in both the CWC and a bilateral memorandum between the two governments. The Chinese spokesperson reiterated that Japan bears "an unavoidable international obligation" to see this through to completion. The persistent nature of this problem serves as a sobering reminder of the long-term consequences of conflict and the complexities of post-war reconciliation in the region.
For global observers, business professionals assessing the regional landscape, and members of the Asian diaspora, this ongoing issue underscores the intricate layers of historical legacy that continue to influence diplomatic and safety concerns in contemporary Asia. The call for action on the convention's anniversary spotlights the gap between international agreements and their full implementation, a challenge relevant to global security frameworks.
Reference(s):
China urges Japan to speed up addressing abandoned chemical weapons
cgtn.com
