The Japanese government decided at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to further relax restrictions on weapons exports, allowing domestic defence companies to directly sell lethal weapons systems to multiple overseas countries. The move marks another major shift away from Japan’s post-war pacifist policy.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the measure is necessary amid a deteriorating security environment, stressing that no country can maintain its security alone. The new policy will allow Japan to export arms—including frigates and submarines—to around 17 countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia. However, exports to countries involved in conflict will remain banned, except in special national security circumstances.
Analysts say the policy change reflects Japan’s accelerating efforts to strengthen its defence industry and build a more diversified security network, reducing reliance on the United States. Recent US redeployment of military resources away from Asia due to Middle East conflicts has increased Tokyo’s uncertainty over regional security commitments.
At the same time, Japan is expanding defence cooperation with NATO and European countries, and has signed a major warship supply agreement with Australia, signalling its gradual integration into the global military supply chain.
However, the move has also heightened tensions with China. Beijing criticised Japan for deviating from its pacifist path and warned it to exercise restraint in military security affairs. Military activity between the two sides around Taiwan and surrounding waters has also intensified in recent months.