BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Japan's National Security Council has approved new draft guidelines to relax a self-imposed arms export ban. The decision is seen as a major shift from Japan's policy of pacifism.
The three new guidelines state that Japan will not export weapons if that would harm world peace and security; Japan will impose certain limits and reviews on arms exports; and a country importing Japanese weapons can transfer them to a third country only with Japan’s approval.
The new rules are a marked relaxation of Japan’s arms exports.The new guidelines will be now be sent to the parties in the ruling coalition which includes the New Komeito Party for discussions, and the cabinet will make the final decision on March 28th. If they are finally approved, they will replace the old Three Principles on Arms Export.
The old rules banned arms exports to Socialist countries, those involved in international conflict and those subject to UN sanctions, amounting to an almost blanket ban.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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