Japan Eases Arms Export Rules To Enable Weapons Sales

TOKYO, April 21 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- The Japanese government revised limits on defence equipment exports Tuesday to enable the sale of weapons overseas, as it seeks to boost security cooperation with partner countries, Kyodo News reported.

The changes, approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, come as the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a national security hawk, aims to strengthen the country's defence industry amid what the administration has called Japan's most severe security environment since the end of World War II.

The revisions to the "three principles on transfer of defence equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines scrap rules that limit exports to five noncombat categories -- rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.

While the revisions in principle prohibit the export of arms to countries where conflict is taking place, they do allow for exceptions "in special circumstances" that take into consideration Japan's security needs and U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence equipment would be divided into "weapons" and "non-weapons" categories, based on whether they have lethal capability.

Exports of non-weapons such as warning and control radar systems face no restrictions, while those of weapons, including destroyers and missiles, are limited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan on protecting classified information related to defence equipment and technology.

The changes, which state that parliament will only be notified of weapon exports after government approval, are likely to draw criticism from opposition parties. They have argued parliament should give prior approval to prevent Japan from becoming involved in exacerbating conflicts or fuelling arms races.

The National Security Council will examine and decide whether to approve weapon exports. The next-generation fighter jet being developed with Britain and Italy will be an exception requiring Cabinet approval.

The decision comes after a meeting on Monday of the NSC attended by Takaichi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and others to discuss the proposals.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO