A Basis for Removing Defense Export Restrictions – Finally

A Japanese official told me in confidence that Japan was going to relax its rules on defense exports “soon.” That was in 1995. The rules have gradually relaxed over the last three decades, but they are still considerable.

At long last, new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her coalition partner, Nippon Ishin no Kai, are poised to remove remaining restraints on defense exports, as announced in their recent joint policy statement.

What’s the significance?

It’s as much mental as anything. And it goes beyond “exports,” as Japan scrapes away the accretion of self-imposed restrictions on this and the most normal of defense-related activities.

Taken with other language in the new joint policy statement, Japan may start to see itself as a “normal” country when it comes to its defense. This includes strengthening its capabilities while engaging freely with other nations’ militaries ー as it has started doing in recent years.

Read more HERE.