China has intensified calls for Japan to expedite the destruction of abandoned chemical weapons (ACWs) left on the Chinese mainland during World War II, emphasizing urgent safety and environmental risks. The appeal was made during the 30th Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-30) in The Hague this week, where Japan reported a 6.8% year-on-year reduction in its 2025 budget for disposal efforts.
Wang Daxue, head of China's delegation, criticized Japan's progress report for focusing narrowly on financial inputs while avoiding accountability for repeated delays. Under the Chemical Weapons Convention, Japan was obligated to complete destruction by 2007 but has received four deadline extensions. Wang attributed the delays to Japan's "insufficient attention, inadequate investment, and failure to voluntarily provide meaningful information" about weapon burial sites.
Over a dozen countries, including Russia and South Africa, backed China's position. Mirjam Blaak Sow of Uganda's OPCW delegation, speaking for the Non-Aligned Movement, noted "less than expected" progress and urged stronger oversight. OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias stressed that global chemical disarmament cannot be achieved until Japan's remaining weapons in China are destroyed.
China warned that the aging weapons endanger lives, ecosystems, and development projects. Beijing called on Tokyo to prioritize the issue, increase transparency, and align actions with its historical responsibilities.
