What's happened
As Hiroshima hosts a five-day conference marking 80 years since the atomic bombing, experts reaffirm that nuclear weapons must never be used again. Discussions focus on disarmament, with calls for no-first-use policies and increased dialogue amid US nuclear testing orders. Survivors and officials condemn the move, emphasizing ongoing risks.
What's behind the headline?
The Hiroshima conference underscores a persistent global desire to eliminate nuclear weapons, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation. The reaffirmation of no-first-use policies and security assurances reflects a strategic push to reduce nuclear risks. However, recent US orders to resume nuclear testing threaten these efforts, potentially escalating tensions with Russia and China. The survivors' voices serve as a stark reminder of nuclear devastation, reinforcing the moral imperative for disarmament. This convergence of advocacy and geopolitical tension suggests that the path to nuclear abolition remains fraught but vital, with international diplomacy likely to intensify in response to US actions.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the Hiroshima conference adopted a declaration emphasizing that nuclear war would destroy humanity and called for dialogue and disarmament. The conference's theme, '80 Years After the Atomic Bombing — Time for Peace, Dialogue and Nuclear Disarmament,' highlights ongoing efforts to prevent nuclear conflict. The article notes concerns over nuclear-armed states modernizing arsenals and violating the 'nuclear taboo.' Meanwhile, the recent US orders to restart nuclear testing have drawn protests from Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, as well as Japanese officials, who see this as a setback to disarmament efforts. The South China Morning Post details the historical toll of nuclear weapons and the protests from survivors and officials condemning the US move, emphasizing the threat to global peace and the moral responsibility to abolish nuclear arms. The articles collectively illustrate a global tension between disarmament advocacy and geopolitical actions that threaten to undermine progress.
How we got here
The 63rd Pugwash Conference in Hiroshima coincides with the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, a pivotal moment for nuclear disarmament advocacy. The conference, founded in 1957 and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, brings together scientists and peace advocates to promote dialogue and prevent nuclear war. Recent US nuclear testing orders have reignited global concerns about nuclear proliferation.
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