THE Japan announced this Tuesday (21) the biggest revision of its defense export rules in decades, by eliminating restrictions on the sale of weapons abroad and opening the way for the export of warships, missiles and other military equipment.
The measure, aimed at strengthening the industrial base of this sector in Japan, represents another step towards moving away from pacifist restrictions that shaped the country’s post-war security policy. It occurs in parallel with efforts to deepen ties with other countries in the Asiain order to counterbalance the growing regional influence of China.
The wars in Ukraine and in Middle East are also putting pressure on US weapons production. United Statesexpanding opportunities for Japan. At the same time, Washington’s allies in Europe and Asia seek to diversify suppliers, given growing uncertainty about American security commitments under President donald trump.
“No country today can protect its own peace and security alone, and partners are needed to support each other in terms of defense equipment,” said Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichiin a publication on the X network.
While countries like the Philippines welcomed the change, Beijing reacted with concern.
“China is deeply concerned about this,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in his daily briefing with reporters, adding that the country “will remain highly vigilant and resolutely resist any reckless moves by Japan toward a new form of militarism.”
Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have been going through a period of tension since Takaichi stated, in November, that a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan that threatened Japan’s survival could trigger a military response.
PHILIPPINES, USA AND GERMANY WELCOME THE CHANGE
The revision eliminates five export categories that limited most military sales to rescue, transportation, warning, surveillance and demining equipment. From now on, ministers and authorities will evaluate the merit of each sales proposal.
Japan will maintain three export principles: strict screening, control over transfers to third parties and a ban on sales to countries involved in conflict. Still, the government indicated that exceptions may be made when considered necessary for national security.
One of the first agreements could be the export of warships to Manila, according to Japanese officials and foreign diplomats interviewed by Reuters.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the move will provide access to “the highest quality defense equipment,” which should “strengthen domestic resilience” and “contribute to regional stability through deterrence.”
The Philippines, along with Japan’s southwestern island chain, is part of what military strategists call the First Island Chain, a strip that limits China’s access from the coast to the Western Pacific.
Manila and Tokyo signed an agreement in September that facilitates the operation of their forces in each other’s territory and, in January, they relaxed rules for the exchange of military supplies.
US Ambassador to Japan George Glass called the move a “historic step” to strengthen collective defense. Germany’s ambassador to Tokyo, Petra Sigmund, stated that the decision opens space for greater cooperation “with the aim of increasing global stability”.
JAPAN ALSO STRENGTHENS ITS OWN ARSENAL
Tokyo hopes that defense exports will help strengthen its industrial base by increasing production volumes, reducing per-unit costs and expanding manufacturing capacity.
Companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries can build advanced systems including submarines, fighter jets and missiles, but for decades they have depended on small orders from a single customer: the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Japan is pressing ahead with unprecedented efforts to strengthen its own military power, acquiring missiles, stealth aircraft and drones that the government says are necessary to deter any threat posed by China, including in areas near its islands located near Taiwan.
Beijing maintains that its intentions in East Asia and other regions are peaceful.
Tokyo is also developing a next-generation fighter with the United Kingdom and Italy, expected to enter into operation in the mid-2030s. The project is part of a strategy to share costs and expand access to new technologies.
In recent years, the country has gradually increased its defense spending to the equivalent of 2% of GDP. The Takaichi government is expected to announce new increases later this year, when it releases a new security strategy.
