Japan is considering revising its long-standing "three non-nuclear principles," Kyodo News reported on Saturday, a development that has drawn sharp criticism from China's Foreign Ministry, which warned the move sends a "dangerous signal" to the international community.

According to Kyodo, which cited multiple government sources, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is exploring potential amendments as part of the planned overhaul of Japan's National Security Strategy and two related security documents. The revision is reportedly driven by concerns that the principle of "not introducing" nuclear weapons could undermine the effectiveness of U.S. nuclear deterrence.

A major security policy shift

If approved, the revisions would represent a significant shift in Japan's post-war security doctrine. Kyodo noted that as the world's only wartime victim of atomic bombings, Japan has long advocated for a nuclear-free world, and any retreat from this stance could spark strong domestic and international backlash.

Japan's three non-nuclear principles state that Japan shall neither possess nor manufacture nuclear weapons, nor shall it permit their introduction into Japanese territory. The tenets have long been regarded as a cornerstone of Japan's nuclear policy.

Sources told Kyodo that Takaichi intends to maintain the "not possess" and "not produce" components in line with Japan's obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, she is concerned that strict adherence to the "not introduce" principle could prevent U.S. nuclear-armed vessels from entering Japanese ports during a contingency, thereby weakening deterrence.

During a parliamentary session on Monday, Takaichi made clear she could not guarantee that Japan's revised National Security Strategy would continue to explicitly include all three principles. In a book she published in 2024, she also argued the principles were "not realistic," saying the U.S. may need to deploy nuclear weapons in Japan to deter adversaries.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to begin internal discussions soon and aims to compile recommendations by next spring. The government could move to revise the documents by the end of next year.

Aside from revising security policies, the current Japanese government is also considering introducing nuclear-powered submarines. Last week, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told a TBS program that Japan's security environment had become really severe, suggesting that Self-Defense Force submarines should switch to nuclear propulsion.

Heightening concerns among neighbors

China expressed strong concern over Japan's recent moves. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing on Friday that Tokyo's ambiguous stance on the three non-nuclear principles, along with remarks by senior officials suggesting Japan might consider nuclear submarines, reflects a "major negative shift" in Japan's policy direction and sends a "dangerous signal" to the international community.

Lin criticized Japan for drifting away from its post-war commitment to peace, noting that Japan has been expanding its defense budget, loosening arms-export restrictions, and developing offensive capabilities in recent years. He also denounced recent remarks by Takaichi on Taiwan as "blatantly provocative."

"Has Japan truly drawn a clear line from militarism? Does the Japanese government genuinely adhere to its policy of exclusive self-defense and the three non-nuclear principles? Will Japan still honor its commitment to peaceful development?" the spokesperson asked, urging Japan to reflect deeply on its wartime history and stop seeking excuses to expand its military.

Japan's domestic anti-nuclear groups have also voiced strong opposition, saying the country bears a moral responsibility – rooted in the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – to oppose nuclear weapons and their presence on its soil. But as wartime memories fade and Japan's far-right forces gain momentum, the country's foreign policy has grown increasingly aggressive, heightening concerns among its neighbors.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration. Lin called on Japan to remain committed to peaceful development and take concrete actions to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.