China urges Japanese authorities to stop playing with fire on issue of nuclear weapons: spokesperson

Beijing, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) — A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson urged Japanese authorities to heed the will of the people and cease taking reckless risks regarding nuclear weapons, during a Friday press briefing. Lin Jian, the spokesperson, addressed inquiries about a recent Japan Association for Public Opinion Research survey, which revealed that 76 percent of Japanese citizens support upholding the country's three non-nuclear principles of not producing, possessing or allowing nuclear weapons on its soil.

Similarly, 77 percent of respondents believed Japan should not engage in nuclear sharing arrangements with other nations, such as the United States maintaining nuclear weapons in Japan. Lin emphasized that the overwhelming majority of Japanese public's opposition to nuclear weapons and nuclear sharing reflects their deep-rooted commitment to peace and prosperity.

He further pointed out that recent Japanese government actions to advocate for a "nuclear option" and violate the non-nuclear principles demonstrate the ambitions of right-wing forces, who are recklessly endangering the future of over 100 million Japanese citizens. Lin stressed that the Japanese authorities should not disregard the people's will and must not repeat past mistakes that contradict the historical trend towards peace.