Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in a parliamentary speech following her appointment, stated that “a crisis in Taiwan” could constitute an existential threat to Japan, implying the possible use of collective self-defense. Her remarks have triggered diplomatic tensions between China and Japan.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly lodged a protest, accusing Takaichi of violating the One-China principle. The Chinese Consul-General in Osaka, Xue Jian, also posted remarks on social media that were perceived as threatening, sparking outrage among Japanese public opinion. Japan demanded clarification from Beijing. Subsequently, China continued to exert pressure through diplomatic channels, while official media outlets and the Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Takaichi’s Taiwan-related comments and advised Chinese citizens to temporarily refrain from traveling to Japan.
Additionally, according to Japan’s Kyodo News, Takaichi is considering revising the country’s “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” during updates to Japan’s “three national security documents,” which include the National Security Strategy. If implemented, this would mark a significant shift in Japan’s postwar security policy.
The Three Non-Nuclear Principles—introduced by Eisaku Sato in 1967 and passed by the Diet in 1971—form the foundation of Japan’s policy of not possessing, not producing, and not introducing nuclear weapons. Takaichi’s plan would maintain the commitments to not possessing or producing nuclear weapons but suggests that strictly adhering to the “no introduction” rule could limit the deployment of U.S. nuclear deterrence in Japan.
Her proposal has drawn strong opposition from the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party and atomic bomb survivors, who argue that the move is dangerous and could increase the risk of war. Asahi Shimbun and former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda have called on Takaichi to respect public opinion and uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Defense has warned against Japanese military expansion and urged the international community to remain vigilant.