{Economic Information Agency, 7th Special Correspondent} According to sources cited by Japan's Kyodo News, the Japanese government is considering including content on "initiating research into the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines" in the revised "three security documents," so as to facilitate future discussions. The relevant wording may not be based on "possession," but rather be included as a starting point for future research and discussion.
At a government expert panel established for the revision of the three security documents, participants have proposed that Japan should introduce nuclear submarines to counter China's maritime military activities.
A government source said: "If the new three documents clearly state the study of issues related to possessing nuclear submarines, it will be easier to have concrete discussions, regardless of whether possession ultimately occurs." A senior ruling party official also stated: "If we include 'repeated research and discussion,' we can openly simulate operations and calculate costs." The government expert panel plans to release its report as early as late November.
Successive Japanese cabinets have, based on the "Atomic Energy Basic Law," which stipulates peaceful use of nuclear energy, always prohibited the use of nuclear energy for military purposes. However, since Prime Minister Hayashi Sanae took office, she has been pushing for revision of the "three security documents" and attempting to modify the "three non-nuclear principles."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Ko Hara Minoru and Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro have also stated that discussions on possessing nuclear submarines should not be ruled out. (yc)
At a government expert panel established for the revision of the three security documents, participants have proposed that Japan should introduce nuclear submarines to counter China's maritime military activities.
A government source said: "If the new three documents clearly state the study of issues related to possessing nuclear submarines, it will be easier to have concrete discussions, regardless of whether possession ultimately occurs." A senior ruling party official also stated: "If we include 'repeated research and discussion,' we can openly simulate operations and calculate costs." The government expert panel plans to release its report as early as late November.
Successive Japanese cabinets have, based on the "Atomic Energy Basic Law," which stipulates peaceful use of nuclear energy, always prohibited the use of nuclear energy for military purposes. However, since Prime Minister Hayashi Sanae took office, she has been pushing for revision of the "three security documents" and attempting to modify the "three non-nuclear principles."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Ko Hara Minoru and Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro have also stated that discussions on possessing nuclear submarines should not be ruled out. (yc)
