Japan's creeping remilitarization

Editor's note: Kong Qingjiang, a special commentator for CGTN, is the Vice Dean of the School of International Law, China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The Japanese government adopted a cabinet decision on Tuesday, finalizing revisions to "the three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines. The revisions will, in principle, permit Japan's export of lethal weapons to other countries. Additionally, the policy changes are set to reduce the role of the Japanese Diet, which previously served as a "brake" on weapons exports, while the government will only be required to submit a mere post-facto "notification" to the Diet.

In the eyes of the right-wing forces backing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the calculated policy changes regarding weapon exports undoubtedly represent a further step towards breaking free from the constraints of post-World War II (WWII) history. In the eyes of the rest of the world and the victims of WWII in particular, this move by Japan constitutes a betrayal of its historical commitments and a violation of international law, with potential implications for the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the post-WWII era, Japan, as a defeated nation, adopted a Peace Constitution which mandated a pacifist stance. Its Article 9 renounces war and limits military capabilities.  

To reinforce its commitment to peace, then-Prime Minister Eisaku Sato announced the "Three Principles on Arms Exports" in 1967. It should be pointed out that while the "Three Principles on Arms Exports" were seen as a crucial step in Japan's vow to establish a "peaceful" image, they were not a gift of peace that Japan gave to the world; instead, such commitments derived from the de jure obligation of Japan under the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation as the initiator of the war of aggression that brought countless suffering to the people of Asia.

To the dismay of the victims of WWII, Japan has not lived up to the Three Principles. In April 2014, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet replaced the old principles with the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology," under which weapon exports became permissible in principle, with prohibitions only applied to countries violating UN resolutions and parties involved in conflicts. Notably, this change also enabled Japan to jointly develop weapons and supply equipment to "like-minded" states.

In December 2023, Japan further relaxed rules in this regard to allow the export of licensed components of Japanese-origin weapons, such as Patriot air defense system parts made under US license, to the licensing country and for exports of finished lethal weapons (previously only non-lethal equipment) to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The proposed revision by Takaichi's cabinet in 2026 signals that Japan's right-wing forces are racing towards the point of no return.

Japan's gradual relaxation of its arms exports since 2014 essentially represents a betrayal of its historical commitments and its legal obligation to maintain a pacifist stance, which poses a challenge to the post-war international order and a continued departure from international law, including the Potsdam Proclamation, which stipulates that "Japan shall not be re-armed."

As a defeated nation that once brought disaster to Asia, Japan is now unleashing right-wing forces to fuel the resurgence of militarism and attempt to break free from the constraints of history and law. This development inevitably raises concerns among victims of WWII, including China.

Japan's constant revision of its weapon export policy reflects a strategic pivot from post-war pacifism toward so-called "proactive contribution to peace" (as framed by Abe). While driven by alliance politics and the idea of regional threats, these changes have stirred debate about Japan's adherence to its Peace Constitution and the rise of Japanese militarism, as well as its impact on Asian security. The Japanese right-wing forces shall be reminded that any attempt to resume militarism will ultimately backfire on Japan itself.

Against this backdrop, the international community as a whole, including China and other regional actors, must remain alert, not only by continuing to monitor these developments closely but also by preparing for a remilitarized Japan.

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