Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

Coverage Comparison

Japan has formally approved a significant overhaul of its defense export rules, a move that analysts say marks a departure from the pacifist principles that have guided the country's post-war security policy. The revision, announced on Tuesday, lifts restrictions on overseas arms sales, including lethal weapons, and opens the door for exports of warships, missiles, and other military equipment.

According to a report by Dawn, a Pakistani English-language daily, the move aims to strengthen Japan's defense industrial base and counter China's growing regional influence. The report also noted that US allies in Europe and Asia are looking to diversify their weapons suppliers amid uncertainty about Washington's long-term security commitments under President Donald Trump.

TASS, Russia's state news agency, reported that the government formally approved the revision of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that "no country can now ensure its security on its own" and stressed the importance of "strengthening the domestic defense industrial and technological base," while adding that Japan "will continue to adhere to the fundamental principles of a peaceful state."

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was quoted by both sources as saying that "in the increasingly complex security environment, no country can ensure its security alone and needs mutual support from partner countries." She made similar remarks in a post on X, according to Dawn.

Key Claims

The revised rules allow for the export of combat weapons, but only to countries that have signed agreements with Japan on their use, including provisions for maintaining confidentiality of military technologies. TASS reported that Japan currently has such arrangements with 17 countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, the Philippines, France, Germany, Malaysia, Italy, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Sweden, Singapore, the UAE, Mongolia, and Bangladesh.

Decisions on arms exports will be made by Japan's National Security Council, with the participation of the prime minister and other ministers. The parliament will be informed afterward but will not need to approve individual sales, TASS reported.

The revision eliminates five export categories that had previously limited most military exports to rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and mine-sweeping equipment. Instead, ministers and officials will assess the merits of each proposed sale, according to Dawn. Japan will retain three core export principles: strict screening, controls on transfers to third countries, and a ban on sales to countries involved in conflict.

Some reports have suggested that the new rules could open the way for Tokyo to supply weapons to Ukraine. TASS noted that Japan currently does not have a bilateral agreement with Ukraine on the use of defense equipment, but the new approval system, which relies on National Security Council decisions, allows for flexibility based on political considerations.

Additionally, TASS reported that the Japanese government is considering purchasing and deploying Ukrainian-made drones for its Self-Defense Forces. This claim was carried by a single outlet and has not been independently verified.

Perspectives

Japan's decision has been welcomed by some countries, according to Dawn. The Philippines, the United States, and Germany have all expressed support for the shift in defense export rules.

China, however, has voiced concern. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a daily press conference, as reported by Dawn, that "China is deeply concerned about this" and that Beijing "will remain highly vigilant and resolutely resist any reckless actions by Japan towards a new form of militarism."

Relations between Japan and China have been strained since Prime Minister Takaichi said in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan's survival could trigger a military response, Dawn reported.

Japan's broader military buildup has included unprecedented efforts to bolster its armed forces, with purchases of missiles, stealth jets, and drones. Tokyo is also developing a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy, with deployment expected in the mid-2030s, according to multiple reports.