China appealed to Japan to immediately address the growing concern of the international community over its huge nuclear stockpiles.

Qin Gang, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry voiced the concern when asked a question about the comment of Yukiya Amano.  Amano, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General, said that the IAEA could give its assurance that Japan's nuclear stockpiles are to be used for peaceful purposes.

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During a press briefing on Monday, Amano said that Japan's nuclear stockpiles are monitored by the IAEA and that there is no indication that Japan will be using the nuclear material for its military operations.

Qin said that Amano's comment has been noted by China, but the comment according to Qin does not give enough assurance nor does it quell the concern over the matter of the international community.

"Has Japan kept an excessive amount of sensitive nuclear material that is beyond its actual needs? Does one need so much sensitive nuclear material for peaceful use? Should one keep excessive weapons-grade nuclear material?" Qin asked.

Qin further stated,  "it is important to know if Japan has powerful weapons-grade uranium and the volume that it has. It is also of great importance to know what they used the nuclear material for. Qin likewise asked how the balance of supply and demand of nuclear materials can be ensured Japan. These are the real concerns and questions of the international community." Qin added.

Qin added that keeping mum and not responding to questions will not help solve the issue.  Japan must face the issue and explain its side to the international community.

"We also hope the IAEA will take a fair and objective attitude on this matter, clarify the issue of Japan's excessive nuclear stockpile, and request that the relevant country solve the issue," he said.

According to a Kyodo News Agency of Japan report in January, Japan Atomic Energy Agencyas offered 331 grams of weapons-grade plutonium by the United States.  The said plutonium of high concentration, which can be utilized to produce up to 50 nuclear weapons, is safeguarded by Japan's atomic energy agency.

Aside from the plutonium form, Japan has another 44 tons of plutonium which could be utilized for its nuclear reactors.

Evers since the first nuclear security summit held in 2010, the United States has requested that the nuclear material be returned. It is expected that the US and Japan will come to an agreement regarding the US demand during the third summit scheduled this March.