Japan’s government will allow the sale of finished lethal weapons overseas, marking a major shift from its post-war pacifist stance.
TOKYO: Japan will ease its decades-old arms export rules, paving the way for the sale of lethal weapons overseas, the government’s top spokesman confirmed.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced the partial revision of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology at a news conference.
“With this partial revision… it has now become possible, in principle, to permit the transfer of defence equipment, including all finished products,” Kihara stated.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi argues the change is necessary to bolster national defence and boost the domestic arms industry as an economic driver.
She elaborated on social media that transfers were previously limited to five non-lethal categories like search and rescue and surveillance.
Proponents believe the shift will further integrate Tokyo into the international defence supply chain and deepen ties with partners amid regional instability.
The decision has however caused unease among some of the Japanese public and critics.
Opponents accuse the prime minister of eroding the nation’s proud history of staunch pacifism.
