Japan is edging further from its post-World War II military restraint, moving to end a long-standing ban on exporting lethal weapons. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday on X that "no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone," arguing that allies must be able to back one another with defense hardware as security risks rise, per CNBC. The shift would open the door for Japan to sell items such as warships and missiles to the 17 countries with which it has defense agreements, including the US, per the BBC, expanding a defense sector that has already seen a major boost in spending.
The move comes as Tokyo seeks to counter regional threats, including China and Russia, and support partners involved in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. A recent $7.15 billion agreement for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build three warships for Australia's navy hints at the scale of what could follow. Critics warn the change could fuel global tensions and undermine Japan's pacifist stance enshrined in Article 9 of its constitution. Demonstrators in Tokyo have rallied under "No War" banners in recent weeks as some onlookers suggest Takaichi may amend the war-renouncing Article 9, per the BBC.
Takaichi insisted Tuesday that Japan remains committed to its identity as a "peace-loving nation," and said any arms transfers would be subject to strict scrutiny under the new rules. The BBC reports that arms exports will be restricted to five categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping. China has logged serious concerns about the plan, announced as Japan takes part in annual war games with the US and Philippines, acting as combatants for the first time.
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