Description: In its most serious reversal of domestic policy, Japan’s government has lifted the ban on lethal weapons, allowing the country to produce and export military equipment ranging from naval destroyers, drones, missiles, and fighter jets. Prime minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan would remain in a self – defensive posture, however, it would increase its capability to defend itself and develop the country’s military industrial complex. The move reversed eight decades of pacifist constitutional policy which obliged the country not to develop or export lethal weapons. The policy measure arrives as Japan concluded a historic $6.5 billion defense agreement to develop three Mogami – class frigates for the Australian navy. Japan, the US and the Philippines are currently conducting their annual military exercises in the region which further compounds on the reform to lift the ban on rearmament. China heavily criticized the reform and stated that Japan is entering a phase of reckless militarization. More than 17 countries would be eligible to procure military equipment from Japanese manufacturers according to the cabinet of prime minister Takaichi.
Impact: Japan’s reversal on pacifist domestic policy in terms of defense arrives in a period where the non-permissive security environment in the Indo – Pacific continues to deteriorate and would likely bolster Japan’s capability to project hard power in the region. The global scale of instability and Takaichi’s preelection pledges to enhance defense spending were likely the major factors in the policy shift which would expand the country’s military industrial complex and increase the stake on Japanese defense companies on the global defense market. The policy reversal is likely to increase bilateral tensions with China which would most likely materialize towards diplomatic and military posturing and are unlikely to transpire towards military confrontation.