China Calls Japan 'Near Nuclear State' Amid Growing Defense Debate

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized Japan's growing debate over nuclear weapons, describing recent statements by Japanese officials as "extremely provocative and dangerous." Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks after Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called for a national discussion on the possibility of possessing nuclear weapons as part of Japan's security policy. "For Japan, this is a difficult issue to discuss, but we have no choice but to address it. We must act swiftly, discuss every policy option and move them forward without any taboos," Koizumi said.