China's official newspaper PLA Daily has claimed that Japan has enough plutonium to make 5,500 nuclear weapons. According to the report, by the end of 2024, Japan had 44.4 tons of plutonium stored. China says that Japan also has the technology to make nuclear weapons. The report says that if Japan deviates from its three non-nuclear principles (not having weapons, not making them, not allowing them to come into its territory), then it can very soon become a nuclear weapon country.
China alleged that Japan is gradually increasing its military strength. He is preparing military technology in the name of civilian technology. According to the report, Japan has set a budget of about $109.6 million for the Advanced Technology Research Program in 2025, which is 18 times more than in 2022. It is alleged that its purpose is to convert civilian technology into military use. Besides, the Japanese government is also encouraging private companies to participate in defense research.
Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated in recent times. A major reason for this is the statement of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He had said that if China attacks Taiwan, Japan could get involved militarily. China became angry with this statement and tension increased between the two countries.
The report also says that Japan is now rapidly increasing its long-range weapons and attack capability. China alleges that Japan is moving away from its peace-based constitution and could become a threat to regional security.
China stopped exporting dual-use goods to Japan in January. These items are used for both military and civilian purposes. China also blacklisted 20 Japanese companies in February. These include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and IHI Corporation.
According to the report, the contracts received by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan's Defense Ministry in 2023 increased by 4.6 times. The company is making long-range missiles and naval ships and plans to increase its defense workforce by 40% by 2026.
China says that these activities of Japan resemble militarization before World War II and this may further increase tension in the region. At the same time, Japan has also accused China of not maintaining transparency in its defense expenditure and military activities.
