China has warned Japan against pursuing nuclear weapons, stating that such a move would have disastrous consequences for the world. The warning comes after a senior Japanese official suggested that the country should reconsider its non-nuclear stance and potentially acquire its own nuclear deterrent.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the reported remarks, describing them as an attempt by Japanese right-wing forces to “remilitarize” and “rearm” the country. Beijing urged Tokyo to refrain from challenging the post-war international order and to avoid taking a path that could lead to catastrophe. The ministry emphasized that Japan’s history of aggression and its potential possession of nuclear weapons would pose a significant threat to global security.

Japan’s neighbors have also expressed concern over the reported nuclear remarks. North Korea warned that allowing Japan to acquire nuclear weapons would result in a “great disaster,” while Russia suggested that such a move would negatively impact security in Northeast Asia and provoke responses from countries threatened by Japan’s militarization.

The reported remarks have been met with criticism within Japan, with both the ruling and opposition parties, as well as atomic bomb survivors, expressing disapproval. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining its non-nuclear status, stating that there were no plans to change this policy. He emphasized that Japan would continue to work towards achieving a world without nuclear weapons.

The controversy surrounding Japan’s potential nuclear ambitions highlights the complex security dynamics in the region. China, North Korea, and Russia have all expressed concerns about Japan’s potential remilitarization, while Japan itself is seeking to balance its security needs with its historical commitment to non-proliferation. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Japan will navigate these competing pressures and what implications this will have for regional and global security.