Sanae Takashi's statement on arms exports sparks criticism from Japanese public opinion

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the 27th rejected claims made during questioning by in opposition parties in the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee that Japan’s export of weapons must be approved by the Diet in advance, stating that the government can make the determination as the responsible body. Her remarks sparked widespread criticism within Japan. The in opposition parties’ questioning was prompted by the recent moves of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to loosen restrictions on weapons exports. On the 25th of this month, the LDP’s Security and Defense Investigation Committee approved proposed amendments to the guidelines for implementing the “Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment.” The core proposals include removing restrictions on five types of weapons exports; allowing the export of equipment jointly developed with other countries to third countries; and permitting approval of weapons exports to countries in active combat when the government determines that there are “special circumstances,” among other measures. The related proposals are expected to be submitted to the government in early March. This amendment does not require revising the law through Diet procedures and can be completed solely through internal government processes. The LDP’s push to “loosen” restrictions on weapons exports has raised widespread concerns. During the 27th questioning, opposition lawmakers advocated for a mechanism requiring prior approval by the Diet for weapons exports. Takaichi responded that this falls within the scope of administrative authority and that, after review by the National Security Council, the government can make the determination as the responsible body. These moves and remarks have triggered numerous criticisms. The Aichi Prefectural Peace Committee stated on social media on the 27th that this move is “undemocratic and absolutely unacceptable.” Many netizens commented, “This shows extreme contempt for voters—what is the difference from a military dictatorship?” and “I cannot accept Japan’s exported weapons being used to take others’ lives.” Japanese writer Riken Komatsu stated that policies cannot be forcibly implemented solely on the basis of “gaining trust through elections.” He emphasized that the true “weapon” that protects the public should be “diplomacy,” and that the government should allocate more resources to diplomacy rather than to weapons exports. (CCTV News)