A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict will stay, although it does not cover those that have defence pacts with Japan. Authorities in Tokyo say they will allow for exceptions “in special circumstances”.
“In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X on Tuesday.
However, she also said 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,” she wrote.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said in a press briefing that the move was “intended to safeguard Japan’s security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region”.
China has said it is “seriously concerned” about what it described as Japan’s “reckless militarisation”.
“China will remain highly vigilant and resolutely opposed [to the move],” Beijing’s foreign ministry said in a routine media briefing on Tuesday.
