Japanese PM criticized for rejecting call for prior Diet approval of arms exports

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi rejected opposition calls on Friday to require prior parliamentary approval for arms exports, saying the matters fall under the government's administrative authority, prompting criticism from opposition parties and civil groups.

During a House of Representatives Budget Committee session on Friday, Takaichi said it would be appropriate for the government to take primary responsibility for approving arms exports after deliberation by the National Security Council, dismissing proposals from opposition lawmakers for a mechanism requiring advance approval by the Diet.

The questioning followed recent moves by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to further ease Japan's arms export restrictions. On Wednesday, the LDP's Research Commission on Security approved proposed revisions to the operational guidelines of the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, Japan's framework governing arms exports.

The key proposals include scrapping five-category restrictions on arms exports, allowing defense equipment jointly developed with other countries to be exported to third countries, and permitting exports to countries engaged in active conflict under what the government defines as "special circumstances." The revisions are expected to be submitted to the government in early March.

The revisions could be completed solely through internal government procedures, without a formal vote in parliament.

The worrying moves have drawn mounting criticism. The Aichi Peace Committee said on social media that the move "lacks democratic accountability and is absolutely unacceptable."

Some netizens questioned whether loosening export controls without legislative approval showed disregard for voters, while others said, "It is unacceptable that weapons exported by Japan could be used to take the lives of others.