Japan Premier Takaichi’s party proposes lethal arms export relaxation

ISTANBUL

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Friday proposed easing export rules for lethal arms, aiming to allow the sale of weapons such as fighter jets and destroyers.

Current regulations restrict the transfer of defense equipment to five strictly noncombat roles: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping, according to Kyodo News.

A coalition agreement last October between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) called for eliminating these five limitations. Takaichi’s administration plans to revise implementation guidelines for the “three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology” as early as this spring.

The LDP and JIP plan to classify defense exports into two categories: “weapons” and “non-weapons,” based on their ability to kill, injure, or cause destruction. Weapons exports would be limited to countries with formal defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Japan, while non-weapon items, such as bulletproof vests, could be exported without destination restrictions.

Although arms sales to countries currently engaged in combat are generally banned, the proposal allows exceptions under “special circumstances” when Japan’s national security interests are considered.

With the LDP holding a supermajority following February elections, it can pass the legislation on its own.