Japan's arms export policy shift: A dangerous step towards remilitarization

The Japanese government officially eased its arms export rules on Tuesday, allowing the sale of lethal weapons, in a move experts warned of Japan's further break through the constraints of the post-war system and strive for the status of a military power.

At a cabinet meeting and a National Security Council meeting, the Japanese government revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, as well as their implementation guidelines, which govern rules for defense equipment exports.

This revision abolishes the "five categories" that had previously limited exports of finished products to non-combat purposes. In principle, it now permits the export of weapons with lethal capabilities. Kyodo News described the revision as "a major shift" in Japan's security policy, which had long adhered to a restrained approach to arms exports, in line with its identity as a "peace-loving nation."

The Tokyo Shimbun and the Sankei Shimbun also highlighted this major shift, while Japanese citizens took to streets to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration for lifting the ban on weapon exports and trampling on the pacifist constitution.

Departure from post-war peace framework

Experts believe Japan's latest policy change sends a clear signal that the country is accelerating its departure from the post-war peace framework and moving further toward remilitarization.

In an interview with CMG, Liu Jiangyong, a professor of international relations at Tsinghua University, stated that Japan is no longer satisfied with exporting general equipment; rather, it aims to open a gap for the export of weapons with lethal capabilities abroad.

Liu noted the deep and complex ties between Japanese Liberal Democratic Party politicians and the business community, particularly the large corporations connected to Keidanren (Japan Business Federation). He explained that Keidanren, which has long been dissatisfied with profits from civilian exports, now seeks to open the global market for military goods as well.

Liu warned that once Japan opens the door, it will continue down this path, gradually going further, much like drinking poison to quench thirst.

Xiang Haoyu, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told CMG that Japan's military-industrial complex was a massive machine that supported Japan's aggressive wars during World War II. While Japan's military-industrial capacity was forced into dormancy after the war due to the pacifist constitution and related policies, Xiang stated that today, Japan is laying the industrial foundation for a new round of large-scale military expansion under the guise of foreign exports.

By offsetting the costs of military-industrial research and development through exports, Japan aims to create a new type of military-industrial complex, boosting the nation's sluggish economy while simultaneously supporting a "militarization for military expansion" strategy, Xiang added.

Remilitarization underway

Xiang further emphasized that the core motivation behind the Takaichi administration's determination to ease restrictions on weapon exports is to further break free from the constraints of the post-war system and pursue the status of a "military power."

Before the revision of its arms export rules, Japan had already taken several steps toward remilitarization, including increasing arms exports and missile development cooperation, as well as deploying a series of offensive weapons and equipment.

In recent years, Japan has supplied radar systems and patrol boats to countries such as the Philippines. It has also initiated joint development of next-generation advanced fighter jets with the UK and Italy and accelerated missile research and deployment with the United States.

Last week, Japan and Australia signed contracts for the first three of 11 warships set to be delivered to the Australian navy under a landmark $7 billion defense deal, setting a new record for Japan's post-war arms sales.

Xiang said the moves showed Japan is using military diplomacy to expand its influence and build a so-called "values alliance" politically.

Recent actions also include a major restructuring of the Maritime Self-Defense Force to enhance combat capabilities, the deployment of long-range missiles with so-called "counterstrike capabilities" in Kumamoto Prefecture and plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles to Yonaguni Island, located only 110 kilometers from China's Taiwan region.

A deliberate provocation occurred last Friday when Japan sent a Self-Defense Force vessel into the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese military deployed naval and air assets to track and monitor the vessel throughout the process, ensuring effective control of the situation. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry described the move as "a mistake compounded" and warned that the Taiwan question is a "red line" that must not be crossed.

These developments show that Japan's remilitarization is advancing at a rapid pace, Xiang concluded, adding that Japan's right-wing is systematically and strategically attempting to undermine the core spirit of Article 9 of the pacifist constitution.