2024-03-29 06:17:37
Tokyo is taking another step towards breaking with its pacifist Constitution. The government has decided to relax the very strict rules for the export of lethal weapons. This revision will allow Japan to sell its new fighter jet that it is currently developing with the United Kingdom and Italy. The export of this plane, supposed to fly by 2035, must contribute to the financing of this project which will cost billions of dollars.
Daily life Japan Times speaks of a “ new significant shift » in Japan’s defense policy. Until now, the Japanese army was confined to its purely defensive mission; companies were not allowed to export lethal weapons. For what ? Due to his history as an aggressor during World War II, the Japan had adopted a pacifist Constitution. But little by little, the country is attacking this principle.
Already last December, Tokyo had authorized the sale of Patriot missiles to the United States. Thanks to these “made in Japan” missiles, the Americans can now renew their weapons stocks and, subsequently, boost their deliveries to Ukraine.
After months of quarrels, the Japanese country took a new step on Tuesday, March 26, with the relaxation of the rules for the transfer of military equipment to other countries. This will facilitate the export of a new fighter jet that Tokyo is currently developing with Rome and London. This is the first time that the country has allied itself with countries other than the UNITED STATESits traditional partner and protective country.
Japan wants to modernize its aging fleet
The objective of this project, which will cost several billion dollars, is firstly to modernize its aging fleet of F-2 fighters inspired by the American F-16s, but also, even if it is said less, to make Japan more independent of the United States, with a view to a possible return of Donald Trump to the helm in Washington next November with his “ America first ”, “America first”.
The government of Liberal Democratic Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, however, struggled to push through this new revision of its defense policy. The Komeito party has slowed down. Because this small coalition partner in government considers itself the guardian of the pacifist Constitution. He finally obtained several guarantees: the new fighter plane can only be exported to countries with which Tokyo already has military agreements. There are fifteen of them, including the United States, France, Australia and India. Each exported aircraft must also receive approval from the Japanese government. Moreover, there is no question of delivering them to countries actively involved in wars.
Fumio Kishida, Joe Biden’s guest in Washington on April 10
The timing of Japan’s decision to relax its strict arms export rules is not insignificant. The head of government Fumio Kishida prepares a visit to Washington. On April 10, he will be the guest of Joe Biden at the White House.
Japan wants to play a more important role in military partnerships, and this distancing from its pacifist Constitution should open new doors for it. Tokyo sees all its interest in this – facing its increasingly threatening Chinese neighbor and a potential conflict over Taiwan on its doorstep.
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