Japan loosens long-standing curbs on arms exports

Japan on Tuesday approved a major overhaul of defense export rules, ending long-standing restrictions on lethal weapons sales overseas and paving the way for exports of fighter jets, missiles and warships. "No single country can now protect its own peace and security alone, and partner countries that support each other in terms of defense equipment are necessary," Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a post on X. The move by Takaichi marks a major shift from the pacifist principles that shaped Japan's postwar security policy, as Tokyo seeks to strengthen its domestic arms industry and deepen ties with defense partners. Takaichi sees boosting the domestic arms industry as a driver of economic growth.Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi argues that Japan must relax its rules on weapons exports to bolster national defenseImage: Kyodo/REUTERS New policy scraps earlier restrictions Previously, exports were largely limited to five categories: rescue, transport, surveillance, warning and minesweeping equipment.These rules, rooted in Japan's postwar pacifist stance, significantly constrained defense exports for decades. The revised guidelines scrap the earlier categories and allow all defense equipment to be approved, subject to government screening and controls on transfers to third countries. "There is absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war," Takaichi said. "Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible." The policy change comes as ongoing global conflicts are creating new opportunities for defense suppliers, even as US weapons production comes under strain. Japan increasing military spending The change was criticized by China, which said it was "seriously" concerned andvowed to oppose what it called Tokyo’s "reckless" militarization. "The international community, including China, will remain highly vigilant on this, and firmly resist Japan's reckless new-style militarization," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters. However, the move has been largely welcomed by Japan's defense partners, including Australia, and has attracted interest from Southeast Asia and Europe. Supporters say the shift will help integrate Japan into global defense supply chains and bolster national security amid rising regional tensions. Critics argue the move risks eroding Japan's long-standing commitment to pacifism. Tokyo is also looking to defense exports as a way to strengthen its industrial base by boosting production. Japan has steadily increased military spending in recent years to 2% of GDP, with further rises expected under the Takaichi government. Tokyo says the buildup is aimed at deterring threats from neighboring China, including around islands in the East China Sea near Taiwan. Pacifist Japan is rearming — this is whyTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Edited by: Louis Oelofse