Japan Lifts Arms Export Ban; Philippines Reportedly Eyes Frigates to Counter China
The Japanese government has revised its defense equipment export rules, effectively allowing the export of lethal weapons. The Philippines is considering acquiring retired Maritime Self-Defense Force frigates to strengthen its deterrence against China.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 17:24
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 17:32 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 19:15 (1h 43m after Collected)
(Tokyo, April 21, Central News Agency) The Japanese government today revised the "Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfer" and its implementation guidelines, allowing the export of "weapons" with lethal capabilities in principle. It is reported that several countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, have high expectations for Japanese defense equipment. Among them, the Philippines has been specifically named as being interested in purchasing frigates to strengthen its deterrence against China.
Through a Cabinet meeting and a National Security Council (NSC) ministerial meeting, the Japanese government completed the revision of the rules. It eliminated the previous restriction to five specific types of use—rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping—and now allows the export of "weapons" as defined by the Self-Defense Forces Law, meaning equipment capable of killing enemies or destroying objects.
Transfer targets are limited to countries that have signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Japan. Currently, there are 17 such countries, including the U.S., UK, Australia, India, the Philippines, and France. With countries currently in negotiations or where agreements haven't yet taken effect, this number could increase to about 20. NHK reported that as restrictions are removed, Japan is expected to enter more concrete negotiations with various countries regarding weapons exports.
In particular, the Philippines, facing deepening tensions with China over sovereignty issues in the South China Sea, is considering purchasing the Abukuma-class frigates that are about to be retired from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to strengthen its deterrence.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated, "I hope to further strengthen high-level sales promotion," and plans to visit the Philippines during the Golden Week holidays to hold talks with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro regarding the purchase of the vessels.
Furthermore, it is rumored that Indonesia is also interested in purchasing Japanese submarines.
Koizumi told a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, "This revision will help strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of our allies or partner countries, while also helping to maintain and strengthen our country's defense production and technological base. Moving forward, we will continue to judge whether to proceed with transfers based on the Three Principles, strictly and cautiously, while maintaining the path we have held as a peaceful nation."
He further added, "Our defense equipment receives various needs and expectations from different countries. Some countries have shown interest in purchasing our soon-to-be-retired frigates. For the peace and stability of the region and international society, I will further strengthen high-level promotion to various countries."
According to the regulations, each export case must be reported to the Diet afterward. However, since it is only a post-hoc report and does not require prior approval, its binding force is considered limited.
Takeshi Shina, Secretary-General of the Moderate Reform Union, stated that if the government conducts "weapons" exports without limits and without parliamentary participation, it could shake the foundations of a peaceful nation. It should be ensured that the Diet reflects public opinion and exercises a check-and-balance function. Toshiko Takeya, representative of the Komeito party, expressed regret that this decision was made while government explanation was insufficient and public understanding of lethal weapons export had not been fully obtained.
Through a Cabinet meeting and a National Security Council (NSC) ministerial meeting, the Japanese government completed the revision of the rules. It eliminated the previous restriction to five specific types of use—rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping—and now allows the export of "weapons" as defined by the Self-Defense Forces Law, meaning equipment capable of killing enemies or destroying objects.
Transfer targets are limited to countries that have signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Japan. Currently, there are 17 such countries, including the U.S., UK, Australia, India, the Philippines, and France. With countries currently in negotiations or where agreements haven't yet taken effect, this number could increase to about 20. NHK reported that as restrictions are removed, Japan is expected to enter more concrete negotiations with various countries regarding weapons exports.
In particular, the Philippines, facing deepening tensions with China over sovereignty issues in the South China Sea, is considering purchasing the Abukuma-class frigates that are about to be retired from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to strengthen its deterrence.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated, "I hope to further strengthen high-level sales promotion," and plans to visit the Philippines during the Golden Week holidays to hold talks with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro regarding the purchase of the vessels.
Furthermore, it is rumored that Indonesia is also interested in purchasing Japanese submarines.
Koizumi told a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, "This revision will help strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of our allies or partner countries, while also helping to maintain and strengthen our country's defense production and technological base. Moving forward, we will continue to judge whether to proceed with transfers based on the Three Principles, strictly and cautiously, while maintaining the path we have held as a peaceful nation."
He further added, "Our defense equipment receives various needs and expectations from different countries. Some countries have shown interest in purchasing our soon-to-be-retired frigates. For the peace and stability of the region and international society, I will further strengthen high-level promotion to various countries."
According to the regulations, each export case must be reported to the Diet afterward. However, since it is only a post-hoc report and does not require prior approval, its binding force is considered limited.
Takeshi Shina, Secretary-General of the Moderate Reform Union, stated that if the government conducts "weapons" exports without limits and without parliamentary participation, it could shake the foundations of a peaceful nation. It should be ensured that the Diet reflects public opinion and exercises a check-and-balance function. Toshiko Takeya, representative of the Komeito party, expressed regret that this decision was made while government explanation was insufficient and public understanding of lethal weapons export had not been fully obtained.