TOKYO (Kyodo) — Japan’s top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi on Thursday dismissed the idea of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines amid the tough regional security environment, which had been suggested by one of the ruling party’s candidates to become the next prime minister.
Taro Kono, who currently serves as digital minister under the government of outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, said earlier in the day that nuclear-powered submarines, capable of remaining underwater for long periods of time, will be necessary, apparently in view of aggressive behavior by China.
“We do not have any plans to possess nuclear-powered submarines. Based on the current interpretation of the law (on atomic energy), it’s difficult for Japan to acquire one,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi told a press conference.
The law limits the use of nuclear power to peaceful purposes only. Japan, which upholds a pacifist postwar Constitution and is the only country to have suffered a nuclear attack, also officially maintains the principles of not possessing, not producing and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons.
In unveiling his policy visions ahead of the Sept. 27 leadership race of the Liberal Democratic Party, Kono stressed the need for a domestic debate on whether the current lineup of weapons is enough amid the severe security environment.
“Do we need to deploy nuclear submarines that can be submerged for long hours by Japan joining AUKUS…and foil (foreign attempts) to pass through the East China Sea into the Pacific Ocean? We’ve entered an era in which these issues must be discussed,” Kono said.
The remarks came as Australia plans to acquire a fleet of such submarines under AUKUS, a three-way partnership involving the United States and Britain that was launched in 2021 to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Japan is considering cooperation with AUKUS on advanced technology projects.
Nuclear propulsion technology is extremely sensitive, with the United States only having shared it with Britain in 1958. Submarines powered by nuclear reactors are also said to be quieter than diesel-powered alternatives.
Japan has detected an increase in Chinese military activity in the East China Sea, particularly around the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan but claimed by China.
Kono, who has served as defense and foreign minister, is one of the leading candidates to become the next LDP chief, who will almost certainly replace Kishida as prime minister.
Japan dismisses idea to get nuclear subs floated by LDP chief hopeful
