On April 29, 2026, China renewed its call for Japan to accelerate the thorough destruction of abandoned chemical weapons (ACWs) left on Chinese soil, marking the 29th anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention's (CWC) entry into force. The appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a regular press conference in Beijing.
Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Japan must fulfill its due international obligations under the CWC. According to the convention, Japan was originally required to complete the destruction of all ACWs by 2007. However, this critical deadline has been postponed several times over the past two decades.
The persistent issue of these abandoned weapons of war, left behind from Japan's wartime past, continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of residents and the environment in affected areas of the Chinese mainland. The Chinese government's latest statement underscores the urgent need for concrete progress and a clear, accelerated timeline for the cleanup operations.
This development highlights the ongoing complexities in implementing international disarmament treaties and the long-term consequences of historical conflicts. It remains a point of discussion for diplomats, international law experts, and observers of East Asian affairs as both sides navigate their responsibilities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
