According to Kyodo News on November 30, a source said that the Japanese government is currently holding informal consultations with the Philippines regarding the export of the "Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile," and the government of Asayama Hayato also plans to formally lift Japan's current restriction of only allowing the export of five non-combat military equipment types in the first half of next year. The report stated that if Japan successfully lifts the relevant restrictions in the future, the plan to export air defense missiles to the Philippines will move onto a "fast track."
Kyodo News also reported that according to relevant sources, the Philippine side has clearly expressed its intention to introduce the "Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile" to Japan.
Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile, Kyodo News
After revising the previous "Three Principles on Export of Weapons" into the so-called "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment," the current implementation guidelines still only allow the export of "search and rescue, transport, surveillance, monitoring, and mine clearance" five non-lethal military equipment types. Previously, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) had explicitly stated in its coalition agreement with the Restoration Party that it planned to abolish this restriction by 2026.
Japanese Prime Minister Asayama Hayato also emphasized at a plenary session of the House of Representatives in November: "The LDP and the Restoration Party have agreed to abolish the 'five uses' restriction. We will proceed with specific discussions on the prompt revision of the 'Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment.' Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has also expressed support for this matter.
According to Japanese regulations, since the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment" are not statutory laws but policy documents, revisions to this document and its implementation guidelines do not require the legislative process through the Diet, but can be carried out through internal procedures within the government and ruling party.
Additionally, observers noted that Japan has already factually begun exporting lethal weapons by returning the "Patriot" air defense missiles to the United States this November.
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Original: toutiao.com/article/7578705739938611762/
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