Japan breaks with decades of pacifism and opens the door to exporting lethal weapons

Japan announced a historic easing of its restrictions on arms exports, a measure that marks a turning point in its defense policy and reflects a gradual change from the pacifism that has characterized the country since the end of the Second World War. The initiative was promoted by the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who defended the decision as a necessary response to an increasingly complex security environment

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Until now, Japan limited its military exports to five non-lethal categories: rescue, transport, surveillance, warning and demining. With the new regulations, these restrictions are eliminated, allowing the sale of weapons, including lethal weapons, to 17 countries with which it maintains defense agreements, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Although the ban on exporting weapons to countries in conflict remains, the government has indicated that exceptions could be considered under special circumstances

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The change comes in a regional context marked by growing tensions, especially China's dangerous military build-up, uncertainty surrounding Taiwan and continued threats from North Korea. In this scenario, Takaichi stressed that “no country can protect its peace and security on its own”, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation with allies and adapt national policies to the current geopolitical reality

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Despite this shift, the president insisted that Japan does not abandon its commitment to the search for peace. “There is absolutely no change in our commitment to the path and the fundamental principles that we have followed as a peace-loving nation for more than 80 years,” he said. However, their approach reflects a more pragmatic vision, in which active defense and deterrence are seen as essential tools for preserving stability

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The chief of staff, Minoru Kihara, backed the decision, noting that the measure seeks to “safeguard Japan's security and contribute to peace and stability in the region.” This position reinforces the argument that flexibility does not respond to an expansionist interest, but to the need to assume a more active role

in international security.

China's reaction was immediate. The Beijing government expressed its “serious concern” and accused Japan of moving towards “reckless militarization”. However, these criticisms come in a context in which China has significantly increased its military presence in the region and maintains active territorial disputes, which have generated concern among

its neighbors.

The announcement also coincides with the participation of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in joint military exercises with the United States and the Philippines, in which they act as combatants for the first time. These maneuvers are taking place in areas close to areas claimed by China, which underlines the growing importance of cooperation between allies in the face of possible conflict scenarios

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Historically, Japanese defense policy has been conditioned by its Constitution of 1947, especially Article 9, which renounces war as a means of resolving international disputes. However, progressive changes have taken place in the last decade. In 2014, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe allowed cooperation in the development of weapons with allies, and in 2023, Fumio Kishida authorized the export of lethal weapons for the

first time since the post-war period.

The current reform consolidates this trend and positions Japan as a more active actor in the field of global security. For his supporters, Takaichi's leadership demonstrates a clear understanding of contemporary challenges and a willingness to adapt the country to a more demanding international environment, without renouncing

its fundamental values.

Although some sectors have expressed concern about a possible drift towards a more militarized policy, the government maintains that the measure is a necessary evolution. In a global scenario marked by uncertainty, Japan seeks to strengthen its response capacity, support its allies and contribute more decisively to regional stability

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