Japan has relaxed decades-old restrictions on its arms exports, clearing the way for it to sell weapons to more than a dozen countries. The announcement on Tuesday marks a milestone in Tokyo's shift away from the pacifism that has characterised its post-war defence policy. It also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region. Restrictions that limit arms exports to just five categories - rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping - will be lifted. This means Japan can now sell lethal weapons to the 17 countries with which it has defence agreements, including the US and the UK.
A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict will stay, although it does not cover those that have defence pacts with Japan. Authorities in Tokyo say they will allow for exceptions in special circumstances.
In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X on Tuesday. However, she also stated that there was absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war.
Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible, she wrote.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated in a press briefing that the move was intended to safeguard Japan's security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
China has expressed serious concern about Japan's reckless militarisation, with the foreign ministry stating that it will remain highly vigilant and opposed to the change.
The policy change coincides with Japan's Self-Defence Forces participating in military exercises in the Philippines, marking a first in Japan's history as active combatants instead of mere observers. Takaichi’s government’s positioning is seen as a response to growing security challenges from China, Russia, and North Korea, prompting debates on Japan's military capabilities and constitutional commitments to peace in the region.
Japan's post-world War Two constitution, adopted in 1947, currently renounces war as a means to resolve international disputes, with pacifism ingrained in its national identity. Over the years, there have been gradual shifts, beginning with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's relaxation of military sales bans in 2014, leading to a more aggressive policy under Takaichi with potential amendments to the constitution being discussed.
A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict will stay, although it does not cover those that have defence pacts with Japan. Authorities in Tokyo say they will allow for exceptions in special circumstances.
In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X on Tuesday. However, she also stated that there was absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war.
Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible, she wrote.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated in a press briefing that the move was intended to safeguard Japan's security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
China has expressed serious concern about Japan's reckless militarisation, with the foreign ministry stating that it will remain highly vigilant and opposed to the change.
The policy change coincides with Japan's Self-Defence Forces participating in military exercises in the Philippines, marking a first in Japan's history as active combatants instead of mere observers. Takaichi’s government’s positioning is seen as a response to growing security challenges from China, Russia, and North Korea, prompting debates on Japan's military capabilities and constitutional commitments to peace in the region.
Japan's post-world War Two constitution, adopted in 1947, currently renounces war as a means to resolve international disputes, with pacifism ingrained in its national identity. Over the years, there have been gradual shifts, beginning with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's relaxation of military sales bans in 2014, leading to a more aggressive policy under Takaichi with potential amendments to the constitution being discussed.
