Restraints on weapons exports that were maintained as a pillar of Japan as a pacifist nation have largely been removed. 

The government has argued that deterrence will increase through the ties developed with allies and like-minded nations from weapons exports and also strengthen the defense industry foundation.

But if such exports should foment conflicts and heighten regional tensions, it would also set back Japan’s national security.

The government has also said that while defense exports will, in principle, become possible, it will make careful decisions on specific cases.

A structure to ensure strict screening and evaluation will be indispensable.

TOTAL LIFTING OF BAN ON LETHAL WEAPONS

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration has revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and corresponding operational guidelines.

The past restriction on transfers to five non-lethal areas--rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping—has been eliminated and weapons developed jointly with other nations can now be transferred to a third nation.

The government has made exceptions under the past principles and guidelines, such as allowing the export of next-generation fighter jets developed jointly to third nations as well as the export of destroyers to Australia under a package of joint development and production.

But the removal of the five categories will make possible, in principle, the export of lethal weapons, such as fighter jets, destroyers and submarines.

This represents a major shift in course on weapons export policy.

At his news conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan would........

© The Asahi Shimbun