On Tuesday, Takayama Sanae announced that Japan would begin exporting lethal weapons abroad, marking a significant shift in the nation's security policy after decades of adhering to pacifism following World War II. Under the new guidelines, Japanese companies will now be permitted to export weapons to 17 countries that have signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Tokyo, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several Southeast Asian nations. Takayama stated that as regional security conditions grow increasingly severe, no single country can ensure its own peace and security alone, and nations must support one another in defense equipment. This adjustment aligns with Takayama’s broader strategy to strengthen deterrence capabilities and liberalize the defense industry. Previously, Japan only allowed exports of five types of defense equipment—rescue, transport, surveillance, monitoring, and mine clearance—while the new rules will generally permit exports of all types of defense equipment. Although the Japanese government asserts it will not export weapons to countries currently engaged in warfare, the Ministry of Defense retains the discretion to make exceptions based on national security grounds.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863148103338059/
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