2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as Taiwan’s restoration. Against this historic backdrop, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has stirred debate by proposing to revise the third of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles—a move that could reshape the nation’s defense posture.
At the heart of her argument is concern over what she sees as a "survival-threatening situation" if the Chinese mainland were to use force on Taiwan. Takaichi warns that Japan’s current ban on nuclear weapons entering its territory might block U.S. nuclear-powered vessels—and possibly even nuclear weapons—from sailing into Japanese waters. This, she says, would weaken Japan’s deterrence in a regional crisis. 😬
To back up her stance, Japan’s government is eyeing new military capabilities: nuclear-powered submarines, U.S. cruise missiles, and home-grown missiles with ranges over 1,000 km. If approved, these assets could tip the balance from a strictly defensive strategy toward one with potential offensive reach. 🎯
The Three Non-Nuclear Principles—"no possession, no production, no introduction" of nuclear weapons—were first declared by Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967 and have since been seen as a cornerstone of Japan’s postwar identity. Even the 2022 National Security Strategy reaffirmed that these principles "will remain unchanged in the future."
Critics, however, warn that revising the third principle lays groundwork for a "nuclearized" Japan at any moment. Are we witnessing the start of a strategic pivot? Many young professionals, students, and Asia-watchers are keeping close tabs on how this debate unfolds, as it could have far-reaching impacts on regional stability and global market confidence. 📊
In the coming months, as Japan finalizes its national security documents by late 2026, all eyes will be on whether Takaichi can rally enough support to redraw one of the country’s most sacred defense lines—and what that might mean for Asia’s future.
Stay tuned as we break down the latest moves in Tokyo and beyond. 🌏🔍
Reference(s):
What's behind Takaichi's push to try to revise non-nuclear principles?
cgtn.com
