China has renewed its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, with its ambassador to Russia claiming that Tokyo possesses enough plutonium to theoretically produce thousands of nuclear warheads.In an article published by Russia's state-run TASS news agency, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said Japan had 44.4 tonnes of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel as of the end of 2024. He claimed the stockpile could be used to manufacture around 5,500 nuclear warheads.The ambassador also said Japan's spent nuclear fuel storage facilities contained another 191 tonnes of unextracted plutonium.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-s-trip-to-the-kuril-islands-reopens-an-80-year-old-wound-japan-strongly-protests-visit-here-s-why-1786602764127">Putin’s trip to the Kuril Islands reopens an 80-year-old wound; Japan 'strongly protests visit'. Here's why</a><h2>China raises concerns over Japan's nuclear capability</h2>Zhang described Japan as the only non-nuclear signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty with spent nuclear fuel recycling technology capable of extracting weapons-grade plutonium."If Japan has the will and the necessary capabilities, its transformation into a nuclear power no longer looks like a fantasy," he said.At the same time, Zhang acknowledged Japan's longstanding Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1971. The principles state that Japan will not possess, produce, or allow the introduction of nuclear weapons.The remarks come amid worsening relations between Beijing and Tokyo and growing Chinese criticism of Japan's expanding defence capabilities.<h2>China has raised the issue before</h2>The plutonium figure is not new to China's recent criticism of Japan.In March 2026, PLA Daily, the official newspaper of China's People's Liberation Army, also cited the figure of 44.4 tonnes of separated plutonium and said it could theoretically support the production of around 5,500 nuclear warheads.The report accused Japan of using civilian technology and industrial capacity to build the foundations for a major shift in its defence policy.It also pointed to Japan's growing investment in advanced military technology, including long-range weapons, missile defence and other defence-related systems.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/582-tonnes-150-million-c-60-years-wion-decodes-the-mind-boggling-numbers-behind-china-s-new-artificial-sun-magnet-1785312316534">582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'</a><h2>Japan's defence expansion draws Chinese scrutiny</h2>PLA Daily argued that Japan's military expansion had moved beyond what Beijing considered a purely defensive posture. It cited increased defence-related contracts involving major Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI.The report also highlighted Japan's cooperation with the US on systems such as F-35A fighter jets and SM-3 Block IIA missiles.Tensions have intensified as Japan has expanded its defence capabilities and expressed growing concern about China's military activities, particularly around Taiwan. Tokyo, meanwhile, has criticised Beijing over what it describes as a lack of transparency surrounding China's rising defence spending and expanding military capabilities.<h2>What Japan said on nuclear proliferation</h2>In April 2026, at a review conference of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Tomiko Ichikawa, Japan's ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, rebutted China's claim by saying that "the introduction of nuclear weapons (by Japan) is not permitted" under the three nonnuclear principles.Ichikawa emphasised that “Japan has been limiting its research, development and use of nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes.”Japan “will continue to work closely with the international community to realize a world without nuclear weapons” and “will continue to advance realistic and practical efforts to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime,” she said.

China has revived its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, citing Tokyo's large plutonium stockpile and advanced fuel-recycling capabilities. Beijing says the combination could give Japan the ability to rapidly move towards nuclear weapons if its policy were ever to change.

China has renewed its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, with its ambassador to Russia claiming that Tokyo possesses enough plutonium to theoretically produce thousands of nuclear warheads. In an article published by Russia's state-run TASS news agency, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said Japan had 44.4 tonnes of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel as of the end of 2024. He claimed the stockpile could be used to manufacture around 5,500 nuclear warheads. The ambassador also said Japan's spent nuclear fuel storage facilities contained another 191 tonnes of unextracted plutonium. Also read | Putin’s trip to the Kuril Islands reopens an 80-year-old wound; Japan 'strongly protests visit'. Here's why China raises concerns over Japan's nuclear capability Zhang described Japan as the only non-nuclear signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty with spent nuclear fuel recycling technology capable of extracting weapons-grade plutonium. "If Japan has the will and the necessary capabilities, its transformation into a nuclear power no longer looks like a fantasy," he said. At the same time, Zhang acknowledged Japan's longstanding Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1971. The principles state that Japan will not possess, produce, or allow the introduction of nuclear weapons. The remarks come amid worsening relations between Beijing and Tokyo and growing Chinese criticism of Japan's expanding defence capabilities. China has raised the issue before The plutonium figure is not new to China's recent criticism of Japan. In March 2026, PLA Daily, the official newspaper of China's People's Liberation Army, also cited the figure of 44.4 tonnes of separated plutonium and said it could theoretically support the production of around 5,500 nuclear warheads. The report accused Japan of using civilian technology and industrial capacity to build the foundations for a major shift in its defence policy. It also pointed to Japan's growing investment in advanced military technology, including long-range weapons, missile defence and other defence-related systems. Also read | 582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun' Japan's defence expansion draws Chinese scrutiny PLA Daily argued that Japan's military expansion had moved beyond what Beijing considered a purely defensive posture. It cited increased defence-related contracts involving major Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI. The report also highlighted Japan's cooperation with the US on systems such as F-35A fighter jets and SM-3 Block IIA missiles. Tensions have intensified as Japan has expanded its defence capabilities and expressed growing concern about China's military activities, particularly around Taiwan. Tokyo, meanwhile, has criticised Beijing over what it describes as a lack of transparency surrounding China's rising defence spending and expanding military capabilities. What Japan said on nuclear proliferation In April 2026, at a review conference of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Tomiko Ichikawa, Japan's ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, rebutted China's claim by saying that "the introduction of nuclear weapons (by Japan) is not permitted" under the three nonnuclear principles. Ichikawa emphasised that “Japan has been limiting its research, development and use of nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes.” Japan “will continue to work closely with the international community to realize a world without nuclear weapons” and “will continue to advance realistic and practical efforts to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime,” she said.

China has revived its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, citing Tokyo's large plutonium stockpile and advanced fuel-recycling capabilities. Beijing says the combination could give Japan the ability to rapidly move towards nuclear weapons if its policy were ever to change.

'No longer a fantasy': China claims Japan has enough plutonium for 5,500 nuclear warheads

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has declared that her country's self-defence forces could be activated if China invades Taiwan. She said recently that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could be considered a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Under the country’s 2015 collective self-defence legislation, a survival-threatening situation is a legal classification allowing for the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) to deploy and operate.<h2>What did Japan’s PM say on China-Taiwan?</h2>In a November 7 speech, Takaichi said that if China were to use “warships or other armed force” against Taiwan, Japan could invoke its right to collective self-defence, mobilising the JSDF alongside allies such as the US. She repeated this stance days later, while dismissing Beijing's criticism that her remarks amounted to interference in China’s internal affairs.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanae-takaichi-to-become-japan-s-first-female-pm-but-women-aren-t-happy-here-s-why-hint-she-is-not-a-feminist-1759572512228">Sanae Takaichi to become Japan's first female PM, but women aren't happy - Here's why. Hint: She is NOT a feminist</a><h2>The legal foundation for Japan’s self-defence</h2>Since 2015, Japan has permitted limited military action in defence of allies if an attack on a foreign nation poses an existential threat to Japan’s survival. The new Japanese PM has given more clarity by explicitly identifying a Taiwan contingency as one such scenario. This is in contrast to the ambiguity maintained by previous prime ministers. Former prime ministers Fumio Kishida and Shinzo Abe both linked Taiwan to Japan’s security, but stopped short of committing to any automatic military response.Abe, who described a Taiwan crisis as a “Japanese emergency” in 2021, stressed deterrence rather than direct engagement.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-speeds-f-16-deliveries-to-taiwan-amid-weapons-delay-complaints-1762188813773/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-speeds-f-16-deliveries-to-taiwan-amid-weapons-delay-complaints-1762188813773/embed</a><h2>Timing of Japan PM’s statement on Taiwan is significant</h2>Takaichi went a step further, indicating that Japan may no longer view a Taiwan war as a distant possibility but as a direct national threat.The timing is conspicuous. Takaichi had met both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently at different forums.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-dumba-video-shows-japan-s-pm-guiding-donald-trump-arorund-room-wh-seems-not-happy-about-it-1761668774979">‘Dumba**’: Video shows Japan’s PM guiding Donald Trump around room, WH seems not happy about it</a><h2>Japan is slowly moving away from its pacifist approach, and Takaichi is a vocal supporter of that shift</h2>Japan has been deepening defence cooperation with the US under the 1960 Security Treaty. It has doubled defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and acquired long-range strike missiles, slowly moving away from its pacifist stance since World War II.Seen as a hardliner on Japanese foreign policy issues, Takaichi’s remarks reinforce Washington’s expectation that Japan will play an active role in any Taiwan conflict.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-taiwan-has-reported-people-liberation-army-pla-aircraft-sorties-and-naval-vessels-has-crossed-the-taiwan-strait-median-line-1753548845210">Living on the edge: Taiwan’s new normal as Chinese warplanes shadow its skies</a>&nbsp;<h2>In future, Japan may not be just a US base</h2>Takaichi's remarks are an indicator that, in a future conflict with China, Japan may not simply serve as a base to host US forces but as a potential combat participant under the banner of collective defence.Strategically, this stance complicates Beijing’s calculations. Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture lies barely 100 kilometres from Taiwan, and Chinese missiles already overflew Japanese waters during drills in 2022.By declaring that armed aggression against Taiwan could trigger Japan’s military involvement, Tokyo has increased the perceived cost of Chinese escalation against Taiwan.At least for now, it is a move aimed at deterrence, but the PM's remarks could heighten regional tensions in the coming days.While not new in law, Takaichi's remarks add teeth to Japan’s readiness to defend the regional status quo — and to act if that balance is upended by China. &nbsp;

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi says a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japan’s self-defence response. This is a tougher stance than her predecessors. This could reshape East Asia’s security balance. Here is why her statements matter


Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has declared that her country's self-defence forces could be activated if China invades Taiwan. She said recently that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could be considered a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Under the country’s 2015 collective self-defence legislation, a survival-threatening situation is a legal classification allowing for the Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) to deploy and operate. What did Japan’s PM say on China-Taiwan? In a November 7 speech, Takaichi said that if China were to use “warships or other armed force” against Taiwan, Japan could invoke its right to collective self-defence, mobilising the JSDF alongside allies such as the US. She repeated this stance days later, while dismissing Beijing's criticism that her remarks amounted to interference in China’s internal affairs. Also read: Sanae Takaichi to become Japan's first female PM, but women aren't happy - Here's why. Hint: She is NOT a feminist The legal foundation for Japan’s self-defence Since 2015, Japan has permitted limited military action in defence of allies if an attack on a foreign nation poses an existential threat to Japan’s survival. The new Japanese PM has given more clarity by explicitly identifying a Taiwan contingency as one such scenario. This is in contrast to the ambiguity maintained by previous prime ministers. Former prime ministers Fumio Kishida and Shinzo Abe both linked Taiwan to Japan’s security, but stopped short of committing to any automatic military response. Abe, who described a Taiwan crisis as a “Japanese emergency” in 2021, stressed deterrence rather than direct engagement. https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-speeds-f-16-deliveries-to-taiwan-amid-weapons-delay-complaints-1762188813773/embed Timing of Japan PM’s statement on Taiwan is significant Takaichi went a step further, indicating that Japan may no longer view a Taiwan war as a distant possibility but as a direct national threat. The timing is conspicuous. Takaichi had met both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently at different forums. Also read: ‘Dumba**’: Video shows Japan’s PM guiding Donald Trump around room, WH seems not happy about it Japan is slowly moving away from its pacifist approach, and Takaichi is a vocal supporter of that shift Japan has been deepening defence cooperation with the US under the 1960 Security Treaty. It has doubled defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and acquired long-range strike missiles, slowly moving away from its pacifist stance since World War II. Seen as a hardliner on Japanese foreign policy issues, Takaichi’s remarks reinforce Washington’s expectation that Japan will play an active role in any Taiwan conflict. Also read: Living on the edge: Taiwan’s new normal as Chinese warplanes shadow its skies In future, Japan may not be just a US base Takaichi's remarks are an indicator that, in a future conflict with China, Japan may not simply serve as a base to host US forces but as a potential combat participant under the banner of collective defence. Strategically, this stance complicates Beijing’s calculations. Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture lies barely 100 kilometres from Taiwan, and Chinese missiles already overflew Japanese waters during drills in 2022. By declaring that armed aggression against Taiwan could trigger Japan’s military involvement, Tokyo has increased the perceived cost of Chinese escalation against Taiwan. At least for now, it is a move aimed at deterrence, but the PM's remarks could heighten regional tensions in the coming days. While not new in law, Takaichi's remarks add teeth to Japan’s readiness to defend the regional status quo — and to act if that balance is upended by China.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi says a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japan’s self-defence response. This is a tougher stance than her predecessors. This could reshape East Asia’s security balance. Here is why her statements matter &nbsp;

Will Japan directly get involved if China invades Taiwan? PM says its forces could be activated. Here's why this warning matters

China is preaching Japan about 'responsibility' over the Fukushima water release plan. Meanwhile, Chinese incursions near the Senkaku islands haven't stopped. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: China preaches Japan about 'responsibility'

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'No longer a fantasy': China claims Japan has enough plutonium for 5,500 nuclear warheads

Japan forces could be activated if China invades Taiwan. Why this matters

Gravitas: China preaches Japan about 'responsibility'