Is Japan moving beyond post-World War II pacifism with new arms export rules? <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nJapan has revised its decades-old pacifist defense policy by relaxing restrictions on its arms exports, a policy change aimed at diversifying its weapons base. <\/p>\n
The announcement Tuesday highlights Tokyo’s shift away from post-World War II pacifism toward a military buildup amid rising regional tensions. <\/p>\n
According to the Japanese government, restrictions will be lifted on only five categories, including rescue, transportation, surveillance, warning and minesweeping. <\/p>\n
Immediately after cutting the limits, Japan will sell its weapons to 17 countries, including the US and Britain. However, the country will not be eligible to supply arms to countries that are already involved in war. However, exceptions exist in “special circumstances,” according to officials. <\/p>\n
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takachi wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “In an increasingly serious security environment, no country can anymore protect its peace and security alone,”<\/p>\n
“There has been absolutely no change in our commitment to maintain the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for more than 80 years after the war.”<\/p>\n
“Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers, while making even more rigorous and cautious decisions on whether transfers are acceptable,” he said. <\/p>\n
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minori Kihara justified this policy change as the need to protect Japan’s security and contribute to the peace and stability of the region at a time when regional tensions have intensified. <\/p>\n
China and South Korea’s reactions <\/span><\/h2>\nChina described the move as “Japan’s reckless militarization” and pledged to remain extremely vigilant in the face of disturbing developments. <\/p>\n
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated that Japan’s defense policy “should ideally be pursued in a manner that upholds the spirit of the Peace Constitution while contributing to peace and stability in the region.”<\/p>\n
A departure from eight decades of pacifism <\/span><\/h2>\nAfter World War II, Japan adopted the pacifist defense posture written into its 1947 constitution. In 2014, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lifted a blanket ban on all military sales, moving toward a strategy of jointly producing weapons with allies and expanding the reach of his defense industry. <\/p>\n
In 2023, PM Fumio Kishida allowed the export of finished lethal weapons for the first time since World War II. Now, Takaichi has taken further steps to make significant changes to the pacifist constitution. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n