The Japanese government announced on Tuesday a significant relaxation of decades-old restrictions on arms exports, marking a milestone in the country's shift away from its post-war pacifist defense policy. Restrictions that limited weapons exports to just five categories—rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping—will be lifted. This enables Japan to sell lethal weapons to 17 countries with which it has defense agreements, including the United States and the United Kingdom. A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict will remain, though it does not apply to those with defense pacts with Japan, with authorities stating exceptions will be allowed "in special circumstances."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X that "in an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone." However, she also claimed 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." She added that "under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible." 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 what it described as Japan's "reckless militarization." Beijing's foreign ministry said in a routine media briefing that "China will remain highly vigilant and resolutely opposed [to the move]." The new arms export rules were announced as Japan's Self-Defense Forces participated in annual war games between the US regime and the Philippines, with Japan joining as combatants for the first time instead of mere observers. China has opposed the drills, alleging they would deepen divisions in the region, as the exercises occur near waters and islands claimed by Beijing, including Taiwan.

Japan's post-World War II constitution, enacted in 1947, renounces war as a means to settle international disputes and states that Japan will never maintain war potential. For decades, pacifism has been integral to Japan's identity, but this mindset has been gradually shifting. In 2014, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe relaxed a blanket ban on all military sales, allowing joint arms development with allies. In 2023, then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took it further by permitting exports of finished lethal weapons for the first time since WWII.

Prime Minister Takaichi has supported revising the pacifist constitution. While she has not specified proposed changes, many believe it will involve amending Article 9, which renounces war. Takaichi's supporters argue that Japan needs to face a new reality where old rules no longer apply for a country surrounded by China, Russia, and North Korea. Critics, however, worry that Japan is becoming a war-capable country and that Takaichi's stance on constitutional reform could mean Japan might be drawn into military conflicts, potentially destabilizing the region further.

Source: www.bbc.com