LDP Calls for Discussions on Japan’s Nonnuclear Principles

Tokyo, Dec. 21 (Jiji Press)–A senior official of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Sunday called for discussions on the country’s three nonnuclear principles. Referring to Japan’s reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella, Itsunori Onodera, chairman of the LDP’s Research Commission on Security, said in a television program that avoiding discussions on the issue is “irresponsible.” Seiji Maehara, security panel head of the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai), the LDP’s coalition partner, echoed this view, saying that it is “important to fully check up” the nonnuclear principles, which prevent Japan from possessing, producing or letting in nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the LDP-JIP coalition is considering abolishing the rules limiting the export of defense equipment to five categories, including equipment for rescue and transportation. Onodera said that the ruling bloc will draw up its proposals on the issue in February at the earliest and hold talks with the opposition camp. “It’s important to deepen discussions on what restrictions are necessary and what situations would allow the provision (of defense equipment to other countries),” he noted. Maehara also underscored the necessity of reviewing the five-category rules, arguing that the rules “could weaken Japan’s defense industry and prevent Japan from cooperating proactively with friendly countries.” Representatives from the Democratic Party for the People, Sanseito and the Conservative Party of Japan also expressed support for the proposal to abolish the rules. On the other hand, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan clarified its stance against the envisioned abolition. “Scrapping the five-category rules would mean allowing the export of lethal weapons, which basically has not been accepted,” said former Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada of the CDP. “The rules should not be altered,” he stressed. Okada also discussed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s parliamentary remark on a Taiwan contingency, which provoked a fierce backlash from China. “The people won’t be convinced unless she openly admits to going beyond the government’s conventional position and says, for instance, that she will never say it again,” Okada said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]