Powerful Conflict: US-Japan Alliance Sparks Nuclear Tensions

US-Japan Alliance Raises Concerns About China’s Nuclear Development

Recently, the US and Japan held a “2+2” Ministerial Meeting, where they announced changes to the US Forces Japan (USFJ). During the meeting, both nations expressed concerns about China’s growing nuclear capabilities. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that “extended deterrence” is a key element of the US-Japan alliance. Extended deterrence means that the US offers its military protection, including nuclear support, to its allies, like Japan.

China, however, responded strongly to these statements. Chinese officials believe the US and Japan are attempting to exaggerate the so-called “China military threat.” In their view, the US and Japan are using this as an excuse to strengthen their military cooperation and provoke division among countries in the region. China believes that this approach threatens peace and stability.

China’s Stand on Nuclear Weapons

In response to the claims made during the US-Japan meeting, China’s military spokesperson explained China’s stance on nuclear weapons. China contends that the world’s greatest nuclear threat comes from the United States, not from China. The US owns the largest number of nuclear weapons globally, and its nuclear policies allow for the possibility of using them first in a conflict. This policy of first-use raises concerns that nuclear weapons could be used more easily in war.

China also accuses the US of lowering the bar for using nuclear weapons by developing smaller, more portable nuclear weapons. These smaller weapons could be used in real combat situations, increasing the chances of a nuclear conflict. Moreover, China criticizes the US for using its nuclear power to pressure its allies and partners, saying that the US is creating more nuclear risks around the world.

Furthermore, China’s officials argue that Japan, the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, is not learning from history. Instead, Japan seems to be following the US in gaining so-called “nuclear deterrence.” This refers to the idea that having nuclear weapons or being protected by a country with nuclear weapons can stop other countries from attacking. However, China believes that this strategy only worsens regional tensions and could increase the risk of nuclear conflicts in the future.

China’s Policy of Nuclear Self-Defense

China emphasizes that, in comparison to the US, it has a very different nuclear policy. The Chinese spokeswoman stated that China bases its nuclear policy only on the need for self-defense. According to the strict “no first use” policy, the country would only deploy nuclear weapons in reprisal for a nuclear invasion. Unlike some other countries, China is not interested in joining a nuclear arms race or building up a massive arsenal of nuclear weapons.

China’s nuclear capability, according to its government, is kept at the minimum level required to ensure its national security. This means that China does not have as many nuclear weapons as other countries, but it has enough to protect itself if needed. China also assures that it will never use its nuclear weapons to threaten countries that do not threaten it first.

In its statements, China urges the US and Japan to change their approach to nuclear security. China believes that countries should abandon the Cold-War mentality, where they rely heavily on nuclear weapons for security, and that alliances should not perpetuate this mindset. Instead, China suggests that countries work together to reduce the role of nuclear weapons and promote global peace and stability. The statement concludes with a call for concrete actions to lower nuclear risks instead of increasing them.

This recent exchange highlights the growing tensions between China, the US, and Japan regarding nuclear weapons and military cooperation. While each country claims to be acting in the interest of national security, their differing views and policies continue to fuel concerns over regional and global stability.