Editor's note: Xin Ping is a commentator on international affairs for CGTN. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On April 21, a bitterly ironic scene unfolded in Japan. The cabinet formally revised the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and its operational guidelines, effectively lifting the ban on the sale of lethal weapons. This is a major turning point in Japan's security policy.  

On that very day, tragedy struck a Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) training ground. A shell prematurely detonated inside a tank gun turret during live-fire training, killing three and seriously injuring another.  

This tragedy, coming as Japan lifts its ban on lethal weapons exports, is profoundly ironic and should be a stern wake-up call to its right-wing regime that harbors fantasies of military-industrial expansion and reviving militarism.

Asia's 'most powerful tank' belies hype

According to media reports, the tank was the much-flaunted state-of-the-art Type 10 main battle tank with advanced digital systems, strong maneuver ability and precise and reliable firepower. This tank has long been packaged by Japan's right wing as Asia's "most powerful" main battle tank and a star export product. According to right wingers, it symbolizes the culmination of Japan's military industry capability and the takeoff of domestic military production capacity and industrial chain integration.

However, the truth is a resounding slap in the face. The vaunted "source of national pride" malfunctioned disastrously even before seeing combat. Far from being the so-called king of land warfare, it seems to be little more than a moving powder keg. Should such time bombs be shipped to other countries, what would become of regional peace and people's lives?

Prioritizing expansion over safety boomerangs

For years, Japan has pursued a growth model that blurs the line between military and civilian industries, using civilian production to conceal military buildup. Six major private corporations monopolize more than 85% of Japan's military production capacity, yet severe vulnerabilities persist in quality control, safety protocols and industrial credibility.  

As a result, accidents have occurred frequently in recent years because of equipment failures, quality defects, aging apparatus and inefficiency. Records show that between May and August 2025, multiple Japanese trainer aircraft and fighter jets crashed into the sea due to suspected engine flameouts and flight control system failures. They claimed four lives.  

In March 2025, a machine gun fell from high altitude after its fixture snapped, killing one person. In April 2023, a Black Hawk helicopter crashed, due to possible hydraulic system failures and main rotor defects, killing 10. Meanwhile, the fraudulent practices of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, a dominant player in Japan's defense sector marked by 33 years of data falsification and bribery, have burst the bubble of Japan's military-industrial complex.

Despite this infamous record, Japan's right-wing regime remains obsessed with military buildup, pushing for lethal weapons exports, and blindly pursuing production expansion while neglecting safety risks. It treats the lives of its own people and the safety of overseas customers as of no consequence to satisfy its interests. Such reckless conduct, with utter disregard for human life, is destined to put Japan's right wing in the pillory once again in the annals of history.

High-sounding excuses cannot fool the public  

Japanese right-wing politicians have pieced together a whole set of high-sounding excuses to justify their lifting the arms export ban. Claiming to tackle a severe regional security environment, what they actually seek is to strengthen alliances, expand military capacity and boost Japan's economy through arms exports. These politicians also tout their equipment as safe and reliable, and its export consistent with Japan's identity as a peace-loving nation. But in truth, they are concealing their true attempt to break free from the pacifist constitution, abandon the exclusively defense-oriented policy, profit from the arms trade and normalize military expansion.

Ironically, polls show that nearly 70% of the respondents oppose lifting restrictions on arms exports. Tens of thousands have even rallied in protest, worrying that Japan will become a war exporter and fall into a self-destructive loop.  

Insightful voices from Japan argue that removing the ban will fundamentally undermine Japan's identity as a peaceful nation. It will fuel international conflicts, worsen the regional security environment and turn Japan into a "merchant of death."  

Russia, the Republic of Korea and the International Confederation for Disarmament and Peace, among other countries and organizations, have warned that Japan's move will severely heighten tensions in Northeast Asia. It will undermine regional strategic balance, risk triggering a new round of arms race and exacerbate global conflicts and instability. They have all called on Japan to abide by its post-war commitment to peace.

History has long proven that military buildup leads to nowhere. Seeking development through military expansion and arms exports will only repeat the mistakes of the past war and bring disaster to the nation and its people.  

A series of legally binding international documents, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, clearly stipulate that Japan should be "completely disarmed" and not maintain such industries as "would enable her to rearm for war."  

Japan's constitution also imposes strict limits on its military capability, the right of belligerency and the right to wage war. After World War II, Japan further established strict rules such as an exclusively defense-oriented policy to restrict military buildup and arms exports. Ignoring public opposition and breaking free from the pacifist constitution will only push the country to the brink of danger, repeat the tragic mistakes of the past and ultimately turn both history and its own people against it.

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