Japan has scrapped long-standing restrictions on arms exports in a major break with its post-war pacifist policy that is likely to derail any potential thaw in relations with China.
Japan’s Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology had previously limited exports to five non-combat categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.
Advertisement
But the changes now allow Japan to sell lethal weapons to 17 countries with which it has signed equipment and technology transfer agreements, including the United States, Australia and Britain.
Other potential buyers include countries embroiled in long-standing territorial disputes with China, such as India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Advertisement
Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have been largely frozen since November, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan may intervene militarily if Taiwan was attacked.
