Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger suggests that Japan could develop its own weapons of mass destruction within the next few years. This claim is reported by The Wall Street Gazette and has stirred debate among analysts about regional security dynamics.
Kissinger, reflecting on regional power balances, noted that Beijing aims to be the dominant force in the Asia-Pacific. He warned that such a posture would force India and Japan to recalibrate their strategies and security calculations to account for a stronger Chinese position.
According to his assessment, Tokyo may pursue its own nuclear capabilities as part of a broader strategic shift, with potential development framed as a possibility within a three to seven year horizon. The suggestion underscores ongoing anxieties about nuclear deterrence, regional stability, and the implications for allied protection commitments in the area.
Earlier remarks from China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, made during the G7 summit in Hiroshima, referenced what he described as inflated China-related issues. He criticized Hideo Tarumi, the Japanese Ambassador in Beijing, over the rhetoric surrounding regional tensions and stated that matters concerning Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet are regarded by China as internal affairs.
These exchanges highlight a delicate balance in East Asia where security guarantees, military modernization, and national sovereignty claims intersect. Observers emphasize that any significant move toward nuclear capability by Japan would fundamentally alter regional deterrence patterns, potentially prompting a reevaluation of alliance commitments and nonproliferation policies. Analysts caution that public statements from senior figures can both reflect and shape strategic calculations, influencing how neighboring powers perceive threats, opportunities, and limits to action in a rapidly evolving security environment. The conversation continues to evolve as governments navigate the pressures of maintaining peace while addressing the realities of rising geopolitical competition.