China Accuses Japan of Nuclear Ambitions, Tensions Escalate Between Nations

• China accuses Japan of seeking nuclear weapons, citing statements from Japanese leaders and actions like discussing changes to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
• Japan denies the accusations, reaffirming its long-standing policy of not possessing nuclear weapons, but China questions its intentions.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted discussions by Japanese leaders on nuclear-powered submarines and strengthening extended deterrence as concerning.
• Japan's 2022 5-year defense expansion program, with a budget of 43 trillion yen, and calls for nuclear-powered submarines by its Defense Minister, fuel China's concerns.
• A Chinese report claims Japan has excess plutonium and delivery platforms, urging Japan to recommit to non-nuclear principles and the US to reconsider its deterrence policy.

Why It Matters: China accuses Japan of nuclear ambitions, escalating tensions and raising global non-proliferation concerns.