Japan Scraps Ban on Lethal Arms Exports

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet approved new guidelines scrapping Japan's ban on lethal weapons exports, clearing final hurdles for sales of warships, combat drones and other weapons, officials said.

The government said the change aims to build up Japan's arms industry and deepen cooperation with defense partners amid worries over Chinese and North Korean aggression, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters.

China criticized the move, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun saying the global community including China will "resolutely resist Japan's reckless moves toward a new type of militarism," while defense partners welcomed the policy and opponents said it violates the pacifist constitution.

Under the new rules, exports will be limited to 17 countries that have signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements, must be approved by the National Security Council, and generally will not be offered to countries at war, officials said.

Japan has formalized a $6.5 billion frigate deal with Australia, and in December 2023 approved changes to allow sales of lethal weapons components to licensors and to jointly develop a sixth-generation fighter with Britain and Italy, officials said.