Asahi also reported that Japan plans to restrict exports to countries currently engaged in conflict, but could make exceptions in “special circumstances”, prioritising Japan’s national security needs.
Japan’s Defence Ministry has said multiple countries have expressed interest in buying Japanese-made weapons, including Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Indonesia, amid a more competitive regional security landscape.
The policy shift comes soon after Japan and Australia signed a US$7 billion agreement under which Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the first three warships for the Royal Australian Navy.
The announcement also came amid reports that the prime minister sent an offering to Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo during a festival period. The shrine, established in the 1800s to honour Japan’s war dead, includes the names of more than 1,000 convicted Japanese war criminals from World War II, including 14 classified as “Class A” war criminals. Visits and offerings by Japanese officials have long drawn criticism in China, South Korea and other countries that suffered under Japan’s wartime actions.
Takaichi, often described as hawkish on China and sometimes dubbed Japan’s “Iron Lady”, has been among Japanese leaders in recent years backing a stronger security stance.
China said it would oppose what it called Japan’s “irresponsible” military build-up.
“The international community, including China, will continue to closely watch this and resolutely oppose Japan’s new form of irresponsible military build-up,” said Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.