The policy change, endorsed on Tuesday, removes restrictions that previously limited arms exports to just five non-lethal categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping. According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the move is intended to safeguard Japan's security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on social media, "In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone." She added, "Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible."
China has expressed serious concern over what it described as Japan's reckless militarization. Beijing's foreign ministry said China will remain highly vigilant and resolutely opposed to the move. The new arms export rules were announced as Japan's Self-Defence Forces participated in annual war games between the U.S. and the Philippines, with Japan joining as combatants for the first time instead of observers. China has opposed these drills, claiming they would deepen divisions in the region.
In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone.
Despite the concerns, the policy change has been largely welcomed by Japan's defense partners like Australia and has attracted interest from Southeast Asia and Europe. A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict will remain, but authorities say they will allow exceptions "in special circumstances." Opponents argue the change violates Japan's pacifist constitution and will increase global tensions, threatening the safety of the Japanese people. The exact timeline for when the new rules will take full effect and first sales occur remains unclear, as does what constitutes 'special circumstances' for exceptions to the conflict-zone ban.
There was absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war.
Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible.
The move was intended to safeguard Japan's security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
China will remain highly vigilant and resolutely opposed [to the move].