UK Media: Japan Eases Weapon Export Restrictions, Abandoning Post-War Pacifism
Japan has announced a significant relaxation of weapon export restrictions that have been in place for decades, lifting the long-standing ban on exporting only five types of equipment—rescue, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine-clearing gear—and now allowing the sale of lethal weapons to 17 countries with which Japan has defense agreements, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The prohibition on arms sales to belligerent nations remains in principle, but exceptions are permitted for countries with defense pacts with Japan.
Prime Minister Kōchi Asana said that under increasingly severe security conditions, no country can safeguard its own security alone, while emphasizing that Japan’s fundamental principle as a peace-loving nation “has absolutely not changed.” China expressed “serious concern,” accusing Japan of “reckless militarization” and stating it will “remain highly vigilant and firmly oppose” such moves. South Korea called on Japan to ensure its defense policy aligns with the spirit of its pacifist constitution.
Japan’s post-war military policy has evolved gradually—from Abe’s 2014 allowance of joint development, to Kishida’s 2023 authorization of exporting finished lethal weapons, to this latest comprehensive opening. Prime Minister Kōchi Asana also supports revising Article 9 of the Constitution, prompting widespread international concern that Japan may be moving toward national militarization.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863097490820100/
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