Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Country breaks with pacifist tradition: military reinforcement aims to strengthen partnerships and deter threats in the region. With the new law, the country opens the way for the export of fighter jets, missiles and warships. China “seriously concerned”.
Japan approved this Tuesday a review of export rules for the defense sector that puts end to historical restrictions to the sale of lethal weapons outside the country.
“Today, no country can protect its own peace and security alone. Therefore, partners are needed that support each other also in terms of defense equipment”, said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in a publication on X.
According to Tokyo, the military buildup aims to deter threats from neighboring China, including around islands in the East China Sea close to Taiwan. But the move represents a significant shift from the pacifist principles that shaped post-war Japanese security policy.
Takaichi sees strengthening the national armaments industry as an engine of economic growth and seeks to use legislation to boost the defense sector and deepen ties with strategic partners. Still, he stressed that Japan’s “core principles” and “history” as a pacifist nation remain unchanged.
New policy eliminates restrictions
Until now, Japanese defense exports have been largely limited to five categories: life-saving, transportation, surveillance, warning and demining equipment.
Japan previously exported ammunition and military supplies to boost its economy, particularly during the Korean War in the 1950s, but adopted a conditional ban on arms exports in 1967. The total ban was introduced in 1976.
The revised guidelines eliminate these categories and allow any military equipment to be exportedsubject to government screening and controls on transfers to third countries. Japan will only export weapons to countries that commit to using the equipment in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
“There is absolutely no change in our commitment to the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for more than 80 years, since the war,” Takaichi said.
“With the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers, at the same time as we will carry out even more rigorous and cautious assessments regarding their authorization”, said the person in charge.
Japan increases military spending
The move was criticized by China, which said it was “seriously” concerned and promised to oppose what it called Tokyo’s “reckless” militarization. “The international community, including China, will remain highly vigilant and firmly resist Japan’s new reckless militarization,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
On the other hand, the measure was well received by Japan’s partners, including Australia, and aroused interest in Southeast Asia and Europe. Supporters say the move will help integrate Japan into global defense supply chains and bolster national security in a context of worsening regional tensions, including with China.
Japan has been gradually increasing its military expenditure in recent years to 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)with further increases predicted under Takaichi’s government.
Critics argue, however, that the measure could erode the country’s historic commitment to pacifism.
