People holding signs attend a protest rally in front of the National Diet Building in Tokyo, Japan, July 10, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]
Japan's recent rhetoric and actions on nuclear issues have raised concerns about its growing military ambitions and the resurgence of militaristic tendencies, which could undermine regional stability and have profound implications for Asia and the wider international community, experts said.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on an online program last Friday that Japan should discuss policies related to nuclear weapons "without any taboos", triggering strong concern within Japan and from the international community.
In response to the opposition party's questioning on the three nonnuclear principles and nuclear submarines at the Diet, Japan's parliament, Koizumi said, "The idea of protecting what we have had until now seems to take precedence over truly protecting Japan."
It is extremely rare, provocative and dangerous after World War II for a sitting Japanese defense chief to make such remarks, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a news conference on Tuesday.
