Takaichi Decides Unlimited Arms Export

Sanae Takaichi Cabinet made a decision on April 21 to deregulate export of weapons to foreign countries. As a pacifist nation, Japan has strictly been refraining from giving military equipment to foreign government. Takaichi administration drastically changed that policy under the name of business. China expressed its concern, labeling Japan’s approach to war as “new type of militarism.” 

Former prime minister Eisaku Sato introduced in 1967 Three Principles on Arms Exports which prohibited export of weapons. Shinzo Abe replaced the principle with Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology in 2014, which allowed arms export in five categories: rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance and minesweeping. Takaichi abolished those limitations in five categories.

 

Under the new rule, Japan can export any non-weapon products such as bullet-proof vests or helmets. It can also export weapons to a country which has an agreement for it. Japan now has that agreement with seventeen countries. It can transfer destroyers or missiles to those like-minded countries. Not only finished weapons but parts can be transferred.

 

Exporting to a country actually involved in a battle is not allowed, as far as it will not affect Japan’s security. The government of Japan considers that it is possible to provide weapons to the United States in a battle for maintaining security in Indo-Pacific region or to a like-minded country in a battle in the region affecting Japan’s security. Those cases can mean an involvement in a war.

 

It is doubtful that the safeguard for excessive application of new rule by Japanese government. The decision of arms export will be made in a meeting of four ministers, prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister, with consultation of National Security Council (NSC). After examination of NSC, the decision will be reported to all members of the Diet. There is no rule, however, how to stop the decision, if it is inappropriate.

 

Former coalition partner of the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, has been negative to expand arms exports. Identifying itself as a party of peace, Komeito expressed regret to Takaichi’s decision. Japan Communist Party firmly opposes arms export, while Centrist Reform Alliance is skeptical. Democratic Party for the People supports Takaichi’s decision.

 

Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan renounces war. Weapon is nothing but equipment to wage war. Exporting weapons contradicts that requirement of the constitution. Japan’s recent dangerous moves in the military and security fields defy its self-proclaimed ‘dedication to peace’ and adherence to the ‘exclusively defense-oriented’ policy,” said  China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun.

 

Japan supposes exporting destroyers or missiles to Australia and Philippines, but it is unrealistic that Japan can check whether exported weapons are handed over to the third party. Under the new rule in arms export, it is possible for Japan to lose its reputation of strictly peace-loving nation or to be involved in a stranger’s war.

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