Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee on the morning of November 14 at the National Diet. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)
The Sanae Takaichi administration has begun considering revising Japan's "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" as part of its ongoing review of three strategic security documents, including the National Security Strategy. Multiple government officials confirmed the move on November 14.
The latest development reflects concerns that strictly adhering to the third point, the "no introduction" of nuclear weapons, could weaken the effectiveness of American nuclear deterrence. If implemented, it would represent a major shift in the nation's security policy.
Review of the defense-related documents is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Keeping Options Open
"Revising the Three Non-Nuclear Principles is Prime Minister Takaichi's personal position," senior government officials said the same day. "We will first have the ruling parties debate the matter."
The three principles are the Japanese government's basic policy of not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons. They were announced by then-Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967 and have been maintained by successive administrations since.
However, some policymakers argue that because Japan relies on the United States' nuclear umbrella for deterrence, the third principle of "not allowing nuclear weapons to be brought into Japan" should be reconsidered.
When asked during the Lower House Budget Committee on November 11 whether she intended to uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, Takaichi avoided giving a clear answer.
Japan's current National Security Strategy states that the country adheres to the basic principle of maintaining the three principles.
The Prime Minister noted that "the review process for the three defense-related documents is about to begin," adding that "it's not yet at the stage for me to comment on specific wording."
Deterrence or Policy Tradition
According to individuals familiar with the matter, Takaichi places strong emphasis on Japan's commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and intends to uphold the "no possession" and "no production" tenets of the principles.
Yet she is concerned that strictly adhering to the "no introduction" principle could prevent US nuclear-armed vessels from entering Japanese ports, potentially weakening American nuclear deterrence in a crisis.
Amid China's rapid military buildup and ongoing nuclear and missile development by North Korea, similar concerns are taking hold within the ruling parties.
The Liberal Democratic Party plans to begin discussions on revising the three defense-related documents soon and aims to finalize its proposals by next spring.
How to handle the Three Non-Nuclear Principles is expected to be a central point of debate.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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