Tokyo approves plan to scrap restrictions, prompting warnings that this could undermine the country’s pacifist constitution
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenLaura ZhouPublished: 9:01pm, 21 Apr 2026Updated: 9:40pm, 21 Apr 2026Japan has scrapped long-standing restrictions on arms exports in a major break with its post-war pacifist policy that is likely to derail any potential thaw in relations with China.The plans, given final approval by the cabinet on Tuesday, could clear the way for sales of lethal equipment that had long been banned and prompted expressions of “serious concern” from Beijing.Japan’s Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology had previously limited exports to five non-combat categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.
But the changes now allow Japan to sell lethal weapons to 17 countries with which it has signed equipment and technology transfer agreements, including the United States, Australia and Britain.
Other potential buyers include countries embroiled in long-standing territorial disputes with China, such as India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
