Shinzo Abe-led Japan may allow arms export
12 Feb 2014 12:27 AM GMT
Japan may allow exports of defense equipment to international organizations such as those involved in UN peacekeeping operations on condition they do not take sides in conflicts, Kyodo News reported on Tuesday.
Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan is reviewing various aspects of defense including its self-imposed ban on weapons exports.
But resentment of Japan’s wartime aggression runs deep in both China and South Korea and any decision by Japan to become more active militarily is likely to cause tension.
Japan in 1967 drew up ‘three principles’ on arms exports, banning sales to countries with communist governments, those involved in international conflicts or those subject to UN sanctions.
The rules eventually became almost a blanket ban on arms exports and on the development and production of weapons with countries other than the United States, making it difficult for Japanese defense contractors to drive down costs and keep up with arms technology.
The government is also considering easing rules on the transfer of its defense equipment to third parties, Kyodo said.
Under current rules, countries buying defense equipment from Japan need to get Japan’s approval before they can transfer it to a third party.
Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan is reviewing various aspects of defense including its self-imposed ban on weapons exports.
But resentment of Japan’s wartime aggression runs deep in both China and South Korea and any decision by Japan to become more active militarily is likely to cause tension.
Japan in 1967 drew up ‘three principles’ on arms exports, banning sales to countries with communist governments, those involved in international conflicts or those subject to UN sanctions.
The rules eventually became almost a blanket ban on arms exports and on the development and production of weapons with countries other than the United States, making it difficult for Japanese defense contractors to drive down costs and keep up with arms technology.
The government is also considering easing rules on the transfer of its defense equipment to third parties, Kyodo said.
Under current rules, countries buying defense equipment from Japan need to get Japan’s approval before they can transfer it to a third party.
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