‘Nuclear disarmament’ is not an easy reality due to intensifying conflicts in the international community
Criticism of “Can we unite with hostility between North Korea, China and Russia?”
The leaders of the seven major countries (G7) stand in a line at the ‘Genotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb’ in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, laying flowers and taking pictures on the 19th. This is the first time that the heads of state of seven major countries have visited Hiroshima together. Hiroshima News/AP Yonhap
“We reaffirm our commitment to realizing a ‘nuclear weapon-free world’ where the safety of all is not compromised.” For the first time, the leaders of the seven major countries (G7) prepared a joint document containing the goal of ‘nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation’. On the night of the 19th, the leaders of seven major countries, including the President of the United States Joe Biden, agreed to issue an independent statement called the “Hiroshima Vision” after negotiations over nuclear weapons. The Chairman, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, told reporters that day, “This is the first document from the independent leaders of seven major countries that focuses on nuclear disarmament. It has historical significance in terms of showing the determination and specific agreements of the leaders of the seven major countries to realize a world without nuclear weapons.” This morning, before reaching an agreement on the declaration, the heads of state visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where there are photos and personal belongings from Hiroshima, where the atomic bomb was dropped for the first time in human history. displayed, and laid a wreath at the ‘A-Bomb Memorial’. The Hiroshima Vision emphasizes the importance of non-use of nuclear weapons and contains direct warnings about the current nuclear weapons threat from North Korea, China, and Russia. Regarding Russia’s aggressive behavior in Ukraine, the leaders emphasized that “there is no winner in a nuclear war” and that “we reiterate our position that the threat of using nuclear weapons, and further, the use of nuclear weapons, is unacceptable.” It also contains content targeting China. “The general reduction in the number of nuclear weapons in the world must continue,” he said. “We oppose the production or the attempt to produce military plutonium disguised for civilian use,” he said. Interpreted, “The content was intended to be aimed at China, which plans to build a fast breeder reactor while requesting the disclosure of China’s nuclear power data.” The Pentagon estimates that China will have 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035, almost four times what it has now. Regarding North Korea, “We urge it to refrain from destabilizing or provocative actions, including nuclear tests or launches using ballistic missile technology,” and “North Korea cannot obtain nuclear-weapon state status under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty ( NPT).” Emphasized. “As long as North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs exist, it is important that (North Korea) sanctions are fully and strictly implemented and maintained by all countries,” he said. However, despite the promise of nuclear disarmament by the leaders of the seven major countries, the reality is that nuclear disarmament is not easy as the security environment is gradually deteriorating, such as the growing conflict between the United States and China, the protracted war in Ukraine, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. “In the case of Japan, which is surrounded by nuclear-armed North Korea, China, and Russia, there is a situation where Japan cannot stick to the ideal theory of nuclear disarmament alone. That is why Japan is emphasizing the nuclear umbrella of the United States,” he pointed out. The ‘Hiroshima Vision’ also contains these realistic concerns. “To realize the world we want, no matter how narrow the road, a global effort is needed to lead from the harsh reality to the ideal,” the statement said. There are also voices of concern about strengthening the conflict structure against North Korea, China and Russia. he said, “The international situation is in a state of crisis which may lead to nuclear war rather than the realization of nuclear disarmament. In this situation, can the seven major countries unite with a sense of hostility towards Russia and China?” The newspaper emphasized that “dialogue with China and Russia is essential to lead the seven major countries towards nuclear disarmament.” Correspondent Kim So-yeon, Hiroshima/dandy@hani.co.kr
