Dreaming of a spot at the UN's top table? Japan has long pursued a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and recently its bid hit a major roadblock. At the 2025 UN General Assembly plenary on Security Council reform, China's UN envoy, Fu Cong, called Japan "totally unqualified" for such a role. 🧐
Permanent membership carries big responsibilities: upholding international peace, respecting history, and maintaining post-war order. According to widespread views, being a permanent member isn't just about economic clout or diplomatic skill, but also a strong commitment to justice and stability.
Japan's main hurdle? Its wartime history. From 1937 to 1945, Japan's aggressive actions in many Asian countries led to atrocities, including the Nanjing Massacre, forced labor, and biological warfare by Unit 731. These events left deep scars in the region and raised questions about Japan's willingness to fully address its past.
Even today, debates over history linger. Textbook revisions that downplay wartime crimes and visits to the Yasukuni Shrine—where Class-A war criminals are honored—have strained ties with neighbors, especially China and the Republic of Korea. This unresolved history makes it hard for Japan to gain trust as a peacekeeper.
On top of historical issues, Japan's recent defense moves add to the controversy. Lifting the ban on collective self-defense, boosting the defense budget, and moves to amend Article 9 of its pacifist constitution have fueled concerns about a remilitarization trend. For many, these steps seem at odds with the peace-focused role expected of a UNSC permanent member. ⚠️
Without genuine reconciliation and a clear track record of upholding peace, Japan's bid faces a tough climb. As the world debates UN reform, these historical and security concerns keep Japan's dream of a permanent seat out of reach—for now.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
