Reference News, December 19 report: Japan's "Nikkan Jiyu" website published an article titled "Out-of-Control Arms Exports" on December 17. The translation is as follows:

Since the Abe era, Japan has been gradually transforming into a "weapons power." When Takahashi took over, it finally completely loosened its restrictions. It seems they have forgotten the pacifist ideals advocated by the constitution. One moment they want to foster the defense industry, and the next they want to respond to the expectations of neighboring countries. This opportunistic approach is really frustrating.

A wrong decision could lead to the worst situation, endangering people's lives and property.

This is exactly what is happening in Japan. After winning the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, Prime Minister Takahashi enthusiastically declared, "I will work hard, work hard, work hard, work hard, work hard!"

It was expected that she would immediately show goodwill towards neighboring countries, such as not visiting Yasukuni Shrine, softening the hawkish stance, and focusing on "safe driving." However, the facts proved otherwise.

When asked about her understanding of the "situations of survival crisis" (i.e., situations allowing collective self-defense), Takahashi revealed her true colors. She arbitrarily deviated from the pre-prepared answers prepared by officials based on previous prime ministers' statements, stating that Taiwan's affairs also fall under "situations of survival crisis," which greatly angered China.

As the leader of the country, she should have retracted her remarks and taken corresponding remedial measures due to her own actions leading to the deterioration of Japan-China relations. However, perhaps because of her excessive confidence or lack of strategic considerations, there is little indication that she will take any measures to deal with the aftermath.

Surprisingly, almost no one within the LDP criticized or questioned Takahashi's remarks, and some even defended her, saying, "These remarks are not wrong." These people boldly take advantage of the current deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations, unhesitatingly turn to the right, and echo Takahashi's words and deeds, which is truly astonishing.

In the joint governing document signed with the Japanese Restoration Party, the LDP led by Takahashi proposed to abolish the five usage restrictions in the "Defense Equipment Transfer Three Principles" application guidelines during the 2026 regular session of the Diet. These restrictions limited the export of defense equipment to five uses: "rescue, transportation, surveillance, monitoring, and mine clearance."

These restrictions were initially introduced when the "Defense Equipment Transfer Three Principles" and their application guidelines were formulated in 2014, serving as a counterbalance. However, with the Japanese Restoration Party replacing the Komeito Party in the coalition government, these restrictions are now considered unnecessary. Removing the restrictions means arms exports will be unrestricted. In other words, Japan will effectively lift the ban on arms exports, marking the transformation of peaceful Japan into a "weapon dealer."

Based on the post-war peace constitution, the Japanese government established the "Three Principles of Arms Exports" to avoid escalating international conflicts.

This de facto comprehensive embargo was completely overturned after Abe's second term as prime minister, and the "Three Principles of Arms Exports" were replaced by the "Defense Equipment Transfer Three Principles."

By 2023, the Yamada administration revised the "Defense Equipment Transfer Three Principles" and their application guidelines, allowing the export of missiles and other specific equipment to countries holding patents, provided they made commitments. Subsequently, the application guidelines were revised again, allowing the export of lethal weapons such as fighter jets and destroyers developed jointly with other countries. Since the Abe era, the three principles have been continuously undermined, and finally, Takahashi casually dismantled the last stronghold.

The original peace constitution only allowed self-defense in the minimum necessary scope. As is well known, there is no legal basis for arms exports unless there is an emergency. Exporting lethal weapons to other countries completely violates the constitutional ideal of peace.

If weapons manufactured by Japan cause casualties and escalate conflicts, Japan's reputation as a peaceful country will plummet. (Translated by Liu Lin)

On November 28, people participated in a protest outside the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan. (Xinhua News Agency)

Original source: toutiao.com/article/7585447575923343918/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.