Tokyo, August 19: Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office has urged the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) to take “a step further” in rethinking the country’s long-standing non-nuclear principles.
Japan’s three non-nuclear principles state that the country will not possess, produce, or allow nuclear weapons on its territory. In June, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the smallest coalition partner, proposed changes to Japan’s three key security documents to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, the proposal called for a “realistic review” of the principle that prohibits the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan.
A source from JIP, as reported by Mainichi Shimbun, noted, “The LDP has various burdens, and there are things it cannot express openly. The Prime Minister’s Office has indicated that we want you to take a step further.”
The proposal suggested that Japan should consult with the United States to enhance the impact of America’s “extended nuclear deterrence” and take necessary actions.
It was also revealed that prior to presenting the proposal, several senior JIP members, including co-representative Fumitake Fujita, held secret discussions with former senior officials from the Defense Ministry, Kazuhisa Shimada, and former chief of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Kiyofumi Iwata. The proposal closely mirrored Shimada’s views.
According to Mainichi Shimbun, a significant reason for the renewed call to reconsider the three non-nuclear principles is the United States’ new sea-based cruise missiles. These nuclear-capable missiles have a striking range of 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers and are set to be deployed after 2032. They can patrol waters around Japan and also dock at the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka. Prime Minister Takaichi herself indicated before taking office that she would like to change the principle of not allowing nuclear weapons.
Mainichi Shimbun reported that while drafting the proposal, the JIP maintained discussions with close associates of the Prime Minister, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara and the Prime Minister’s special advisor on security policy, Sadamasa Oue.
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