Tokyo, Oct 21 (IANS) Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), plan to begin working-level consultations in November on revising the country’s three key security documents by the end of the year, with nuclear-powered submarines and a possible review of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles expected to be among the main issues, Kyodo News reported on Tuesday.
The LDP has called for an early study into the feasibility of possessing submarines capable of launching long-range missiles, including vessels using “next-generation propulsion” systems, the report said, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The JIP has taken a more explicit stance, arguing that nuclear power is the only viable propulsion option for such submarines and calling for their introduction as soon as possible, reports Xinhua, quoting Kyodo News.
It has also urged a review of the principle prohibiting the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan, one of the country’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles, calling for a reassessment to “reflect current realities.”
The two parties plan to coordinate their positions through the consultations, according to the report.
When Japan formulated its current three key security documents in 2022, the acquisition of so-called counterstrike capabilities became a major point of contention. The LDP held multiple rounds of working-level consultations with its then coalition partner, Komeito, before reaching an agreement.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently said there was “room for further discussion” on the specific wording of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, while Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has repeatedly called for discussions on nuclear weapons and related security policies “without taboos.”
The administration’s moves on nuclear-related security policy have raised concerns among various sectors of Japanese society.
On Monday, Japanese nuclear experts and peace advocates held a symposium in Tokyo to oppose moves toward introducing nuclear-powered submarines, warning that such a move could undermine regional security and the international nuclear nonproliferation regime.
–IANS
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