Japan Government's Proposal Exposed: Allow Arms Exports with "Post-Notification"
The Japanese government has compiled a proposal on the export of defense equipment: abolishing the previous rule restricting exports to non-combat uses such as rescue and transportation—known as the "Category 5 Equipment" regulation—and generally permitting the export of weapons capable of causing casualties.
In the revised draft of the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and its implementation guidelines, defense equipment will be reclassified based on whether it has lethal capabilities into two categories: "weapons" and "non-weapons."
Exports of "weapons" will be restricted to countries that have signed a "Defense Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement" with the Japanese government.
Currently, 17 countries have signed such agreements, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Exports are generally prohibited to countries involved in conflicts, but exceptions may be approved if deemed necessary for security reasons or under "special circumstances."
Whether an export is approved will be reviewed by the National Security Council, with a provision stating that "once a decision to approve is made and publicly announced, notification shall be given to the Diet." This differs from demands by some opposition parties calling for prior approval by the Diet.
The Japanese government emphasizes that this revision not only helps build mutual support systems with allied and like-minded nations, but also holds significant importance "in ensuring domestic production capacity capable of sustaining operations during emergencies."
The government plans to submit this proposal at a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Security Affairs Study Group executive committee on April 6th and aims to complete the revisions within this month.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861509135526921/
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