Japan accelerates the easing of restrictions on lethal weapon exports; China: Firmly opposes Japan's "new militarism" actions.

[Global Times Report, Reporter Guo Yuandan] Japan has taken another step forward in allowing the export of lethal weapons. On February 25, a special group of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved a proposal to promote the government's relaxation of regulations regarding the transfer of defense equipment. The day before, Japan also announced for the first time the timeline for deploying missile forces on the southwestern islands near Taiwan. On February 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed at a regular press conference that the international community should remain highly vigilant about Japan's movements, work together to defend the results of World War II and the post-war international order, and resolutely resist Japan's "new militarism" actions.

Accelerating the Relaxation of Weapon Export Restrictions

According to a report by the Japan Times on February 25, the proposal approved by the Liberal Democratic Party's Security Research Committee is expected to be submitted to the government early next month and may take effect this spring. According to Japan's Kyodo News, the proposal in principle allows the country to export weapons such as fighter jets and destroyers, and also leaves room for exports to "countries currently deemed to be in combat"—whether to allow exports will be reviewed by Japan's National Security Council.

The current "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment" restricts the types of defense equipment that can be exported to five categories: "rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance, and mine clearance." Kyodo News reported that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed the desire to relax the rules on defense equipment exports in her policy speech on the 20th of this month, emphasizing the need to accelerate discussions on modifying the rules that limit exports to only the aforementioned non-combat purposes. Takaichi claimed that this would help enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of allied and like-minded countries, and "promote the strengthening of Japan's defense production and civilian technological base."

After World War II, Japan established the "Three Principles on Weapon Exports," which strictly prohibits the export of weapons. In recent years, Japan has repeatedly broken through the original restrictions. Military expert Zhang Junsha stated to Global Times reporters on the 25th that Japan is continuously breaking through the restrictions on weapon exports imposed by the pacifist constitution and domestic laws in a "salami-slicing" manner, which is extremely dangerous. On one hand, Japan can take this opportunity to enhance the research, production, and mobilization capabilities of its military-industrial enterprises, expand its war reserves, and provide a material basis for rearmament and the revival of militarism; on the other hand, selling offensive weapons to countries that have signed defense equipment export agreements (such as the Philippines) will encourage them to initiate provocative and infringing actions, undermining regional peace and stability, which contradicts the spirit of Japan's pacifist constitution and seriously endangers peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and even globally.

Plans to Deploy Missile Forces, Only 110 Kilometers from Taiwan

On February 24, Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi publicly mentioned for the first time the timeline for deploying missile forces on Yonaguni Island in the southwestern islands, stating that "the schedule may change depending on the progress of facility construction, with plans for the fiscal year 2030." The forces will utilize the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile, capable of striking aircraft and intercepting ballistic missiles. Some analysts believe that this move by Japan is aimed at strengthening its defense capabilities in response to so-called "Taiwan-related incidents."

The small island set to deploy missile forces is about 110 kilometers from Taiwan and is located at Japan's westernmost point. In 2016, a Ground Self-Defense Force base was established on the island, along with a coastal surveillance team. The Ground Self-Defense Force also plans to establish an air electronic warfare unit in the fiscal year 2026.

Zhang Junsha told Global Times reporters that the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile has been in service with the Ground Self-Defense Force since 2003. Japan is building a multi-layered air defense and missile defense system based on the Ryukyu Islands, primarily aimed at cooperating with U.S. military intervention in the Taiwan Strait conflict during wartime, intercepting and countering Chinese maritime and aerial forces and ballistic missiles, while also protecting U.S. military bases in Okinawa, forming an air defense and missile defense barrier in the waters and airspace near the Miyako Strait and Taiwan. However, if Japan uses the missile forces on the southwestern islands to attack Chinese maritime and aerial forces, it would constitute an act of aggression, and "China will inevitably implement resolute counterattacks, and the military facilities deployed on the relevant islands will all be reasonable targets for China."

China Expresses Serious Concern

Regarding Japan's latest actions to relax restrictions on lethal weapon exports, Mao Ning stated at a regular press conference on the 25th that she has noted the relevant reports and expressed serious concern.

"Due to its history of aggression, Japan's military security trends have always attracted the attention of Asian neighbors and the international community," Mao Ning said. In recent years, Japan has significantly adjusted its security policies, and Japanese officials have publicly advocated for "nuclear possession," seeking to amend the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" and lift restrictions on weapon exports. This once again exposes the ambitions of Japan's right-wing forces to break through the constraints of the post-war international order and domestic law, seeking "remilitarization."

Japan's recent dangerous trends have raised alarms among neighboring countries and caused concerns among its own citizens. A large number of Japanese citizens held a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on the evening of February 24, with many holding placards reading "Oppose Constitutional Amendment" and "Do not unleash fascism from its cage," shouting slogans like "No to War," protesting Takaichi's recent push to accelerate constitutional amendments, expand military capabilities, and strengthen national intelligence capabilities.