政府消息人士周三透露，政府正考虑在预定于今年年底前修订的三份关键安保文件中，写入一项关于研究日本是否应拥有核动力潜艇的计划。
The government is considering including in its three key security-related documents, slated to be revised by the end of this year, a plan to study whether the country should possess nuclear-powered submarines, government sources said Wednesday.
此举源于主张者认为，随着中国军方将活动范围扩展至太平洋，引进能长时间潜航、远距离航行的此类水下舰艇，对于维持日本的威慑力和应对能力至关重要。
The move comes as proponents argue that the introduction of such underwater vessels, which can remain submerged for long periods and travel long distances, is essential for maintaining Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities as the Chinese military expands its activities into the Pacific Ocean.
今年6月，在野党中的执政联盟伙伴日本维新会呼吁政府“迅速引进”核潜艇。在讨论修订关键安保文件的政府专家会议上，也提出了引进核潜艇的想法。
In June, the junior ruling Japan Innovation Party called for the government to “swiftly introduce” nuclear submarines. The idea of introducing nuclear submarines has also been raised at a government expert panel discussing revisions to the key security documents.
不过，执政党自由民主党内部许多人对这一步骤仍持谨慎态度，政府计划在听取执政联盟磋商意见和专家会议讨论后，对文件措辞做出最终决定。
Still, many in the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party remain cautious about such a step, and the government plans to make a final decision on the wording of the documents after taking into account consultations with the ruling bloc and expert panel discussions.
据知情人士透露，常规潜艇必须定期将通气管和排气管伸出水面，而核潜艇无需这样做，可连续潜航数月之久。
According to informed sources, conventional submarines must periodically raise air intake and exhaust pipes above the surface, while nuclear submarines do not need to do this and can remain submerged for several months at a time.
核潜艇航速还可达50公里/小时以上，而常规潜艇约为35公里/小时。由于核潜艇可建造得比常规潜艇更大，因此还可装备反击能力。
Nuclear submarines can also travel at speeds of more than 50 kph, compared with about 35 kph for conventional submarines. As nuclear submarines can be built larger than conventional ones, they could also be equipped with counterstrike capabilities.
“（核潜艇）发射后可迅速撤离，以免遭到反击，”防卫省一位高级官员表示，“它们将大有用处。”然而，核潜艇也并非没有挑战。由于此类水下舰艇由核反应堆提供动力，该国将需要培养和招募具备专业知识的工程师。建造和运营成本也将高达天文数字，极有可能膨胀防卫开支。
“(Nuclear submarines) can quickly flee after firing in order not to be hit by a counterattack,” a senior Defense Ministry official said. “They would be highly useful.”Nuclear submarines are not without their challenges, however. Because such underwater vessels are powered by nuclear reactors, the country would need to train and recruit engineers with specialized knowledge. Construction and operating costs would also be enormous, likely inflating defense spending.
还会出现核潜艇是否符合《原子能基本法》的问题，该法将核能的利用限制在和平目的上。
Questions would also arise over whether nuclear submarines would be compatible with the atomic energy basic law, which limits the use of nuclear energy to peaceful purposes.
“即使进行研究，结论很可能也是（核潜艇）没有必要，”自民党一位资深议员表示。
“Even if a study is conducted, the conclusion will likely be that (nuclear submarines) are unnecessary,” a senior LDP lawmaker said.