In the wake of a Japanese official's recent suggestion to acquire nuclear weapons, Chinese experts warn Tokyo could develop them in under three years, citing advanced technologies and revisiting Henry Kissinger's prediction of Japan going nuclear by 2028.
Following a senior official from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's office stating last week that Japan should possess nuclear weapons amid a harsh security environment—a remark that prompted Tokyo's reaffirmation of its three non-nuclear principles—Chinese nuclear experts are scrutinizing Japan's capabilities.
Beijing is re-examining late US statesman Henry Kissinger's warning that Tokyo aims to become a nuclear power by 2028. Experts conclude Japan could build weapons in less than three years, leveraging civilian nuclear infrastructure, missile tech, the Epsilon rocket, Fugaku supercomputer, Gekko XII laser facility, and planned Tomahawk missiles. JAXA and IAEA activities heighten concerns.
Takaichi's comments last month on the non-nuclear principles, seen as probing legal openings, add to the scrutiny. While Japanese officials uphold the pacifist constitution, China remains vigilant on proliferation, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian avoiding direct response amid tensions involving North Korea and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
