On July 6th, a strategic nuclear submarine of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army successfully launched a submerged strategic missile carrying a training simulation warhead into the relevant open-sea areas of the Pacific Ocean. The Chinese side clearly stated that this test launch was a routine part of the annual military training program. Information was given to relevant countries in advance, and it complies with international law and practice. It did not target any specific country or objective. However, this normal military training has become a new excuse for Japanese right-wing forces to promote the idea of “China threat” and accelerate military expansion.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia on July 19th, the Japanese government plans to study ways to further strengthen the U.S. 'extended nuclear deterrence' measures when revising the 'security three documents' by the end of this year. The reason given by Japan is the so-called 'threat from China'.
Reports indicate that China conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test towards the Pacific Ocean this month. Japan speculates that it could be a “JL-3” submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range exceeding 10,000 kilometers. This means that Chinese strategic nuclear submarines have the capability to cover the United States mainland when operating in the Pacific Ocean. Japan quickly seized this opportunity to use it as a pretext to strengthen nuclear cooperation between the US and Japan, thereby weakening the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles.”
China tests submarine-launched ballistic missiles
The incoming Ambassador of Australia to Japan, Andrew Sheer, stated at a seminar held by the Japan Institute of International Studies titled “Tokyo Global Dialogue” on the 15th that the use of conventional military forces in this region is becoming more and more public, and the use of nuclear capabilities as a “force of coercion” is also becoming increasingly apparent.
Japan’s former National Security Advisor Masayoshi Okino also stated at the meeting that since Japan is neighboring China, Russia, and North Korea, it is necessary to value and rely on the United States’ nuclear deterrent force. He urged Tokyo to continue working to make the United States realize that intervening in the Asia-Pacific region is not only correct but also in its own interests.
The so-called “extended nuclear deterrence” means that the United States promises to use military forces, including nuclear weapons, to protect its allies. Although Japan has long claimed to adhere to the “no-nuclear principles” of not possessing, not manufacturing, and not transporting nuclear weapons, in reality, it has always relied on the US “nuclear umbrella” and continues to strengthen its nuclear strategic coordination with the US.
In June this year, Japan and the United States held further deterrence consultations, discussing the so-called “rapid expansion of China’s nuclear capabilities” and conducting simulations. As the Japanese government prepares to revise three security documents: the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Forces Modernization Plan, how to further enhance the credibility of the United States’ “nuclear umbrella” has become a focus of discussion among the Japanese government and the ruling party. These three documents serve as the guiding principles for Japan’s security and defense policy, and their revision was only completed in December 2022. The Defense Forces Modernization Plan originally covered the period from 2023 to 2027. Now, less than four years after its implementation, the local government in Kanagawa is pushing for an early revision of this plan, which is cause for concern.
The Japanese Liberal Democratic Party clearly stated in its policy documents for 2026 that it will continuously study the American extended deterrence based on nuclear deterrence, and will strengthen consultations under political leadership to further ensure its 'reliability'.
Self-Strengthening Party political ally, extreme right-wing Japan's Restoration Association wishes to go further.
The Wei Xi Hui proposes to continue adhering to the principles of 'not possessing' and 'not manufacturing' nuclear weapons. However, it is necessary to re-evaluate the third principle, which states that 'nuclear weapons are not allowed to enter Japan', in light of the current situation.
The related proposal even claims that if Japan refuses American attack submarines from entering its ports on the grounds of the “three principles of no nuclear”, it would “ shake the Japan-US alliance”.
The official interpretation of the Japanese government regarding the “three principles of no nuclear weapons” is that Japan should neither possess nor manufacture nuclear weapons, and should not allow nuclear weapons to enter its territory or territorial waters. However, as early as 2010, then-Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada mentioned an exception in his response to the parliament: if Japan’s security cannot be ensured without allowing warships carrying nuclear weapons to dock, the government might make a “major decision” to allow such warships to dock, and then provide an explanation to the citizens.
The Kashiwazaki government has continued this stance. There are still many people within the Japanese government and the Liberal Democratic Party who believe that there is no need to formally amend the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles”. The Liberal Democratic Party’s proposal does not clearly outline specific amendments.
Despite the strong controversy surrounding the related proposals in Japan, the Takahashi City government has still not completely closed the discussion on adjusting the “three principles of no nuclear weapons”. Takahashi himself has advocated for a need to re-examine the principle of “not possessing nuclear weapons”. In December 2025, a person responsible for security policies at the Prime Minister’s Office claimed, based on “personal views”, that “Japan should possess nuclear weapons”, which sparked criticism in Japanese politics. The Japanese government subsequently reiterated its intention not to change its policy of not possessing nuclear weapons, but refused to clarify whether it would discipline that official.
On July 17, Japanese Defense Minister Keiji Soja said in an online interview that Japan must move beyond so-called 'taboos' and discuss and advance its nuclear policy comprehensively.
Otaegi listed European developments such as France’s expansion of nuclear capabilities and Finland’s relaxation of restrictions on wartime nuclear weapon deployments. He stated that while the nuclear issue is “difficult to discuss” for Japan, it remains a “topic that must be addressed.”
"Now that the situation compels us to overcome all kinds of taboos and conduct a thorough discussion and implementation of all related policies, we must strive harder to clearly inform the people about this present situation." said Xiao Quan.
According to a report by the Japan News Agency, since the establishment of the Koizumi Yukie government, 82 Japanese local councils have submitted opinions to the central government or parliament, requesting adherence to the 'three principles on nuclear disarmament' or the legalization of these principles.
Japan's hype of "China threat" extends beyond nuclear issues.
According to Nikkei Asia, in the 2026 edition of the Defense White Paper, Japan's Ministry of Defense listed China as its "most serious concern." It continued to use statements such as "China is Japan's greatest strategic challenge." Japan also plans to use this as a reason to further deepen military cooperation with the United States and so-called "like-minded countries," in order to enhance Japan's "deterrence and response capabilities."
The white paper is expected to highlight the development of China’s military forces, including the activities of Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific region since June 2025, as well as the incident described by Japan as involving “Chinese military aircraft performing radar strikes on Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets” in December 2025. While Japan continues to exaggerate the “threats” posed by neighboring countries, it also finds reasons for expanding its military, developing long-range strike capabilities, and relaxing restrictions on arms exports.
In April this year, the Gao government revised the “Three Principles for Transfer of Defensive Equipment” and its implementation rules again. The previous restrictions on exporting finished weapons for five purposes—rescue, transportation, security, surveillance, and mine clearance—were abolished. This opens the door for Japan to expand exports of military ships, missiles, combat drones, and other equipment.
Regarding Japan's dangerous moves related to nuclear weapons and the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles', China has already clearly stated its position.
In December 2025, Guo Jiaqun, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Japan is attempting to promote the return of nuclear weapons to Japan through measures such as strengthening cooperation in "extended deterrence," seeking "nuclear sharing," and modifying the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles." Some forces in Japan are spreading rumors about the need to possess nuclear weapons, revealing Japan's right-wing conservative forces' ambitions to revive militarism, break free from international order constraints, and accelerate "re-militarization." China urges Japan to stop finding excuses for expanding military power and to stop testing the limits of international justice regarding nuclear weapons.
In February this year, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again pointed out that Japan has been continuously promoting the transformation of its frigates into aircraft carriers in recent years. Japan is also developing and purchasing medium- and long-range missiles, breaking through the restrictions on the export of lethal weapons. Japanese government officials have even openly advocated for the possession of nuclear weapons and sought to modify the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles.” These developments indicate that Japan’s acceleration of “re-militarization” is not just an abstract speculation, but a reality with a clear course and concrete actions.
Regarding China's submarine-launched strategic missile test on July 7th, the Chinese Ministry of Defense once again emphasized that this was a routine part of the annual military training. China had informed relevant countries in advance, demonstrating the openness and transparency of the Chinese military.
China adopts a defensive national defense policy and adheres to a self-defense nuclear strategy. It always maintains its nuclear forces at the lowest level necessary for national security, and does not engage in any nuclear arms race with any other country. China promotes the modernization of its nuclear forces in order to ensure national strategic security and maintain global strategic stability.
