Koo: Taiwan, Japan Can Contribute to Indo-Pacific Peace Amid Japan's Eased Arms Export Rules
Following Japan's decision to relax its arms export rules, KMT legislator Huang Chien-pin questioned on the 20th in the Legislative Yuan about the possibility of Taiwan negotiating military or commercial arms purchases with Japan. In response, Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated that while he could not disclose too many details, Taiwan and Japan have the capacity to mutually contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted that Japan's defense equipment transfers are currently limited to 17 countries with existing agreements.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 19:21
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(CNA, Taipei, May 20, by reporter Tseng Yi-ning) Following the Japanese government's relaxation of its arms export rules, Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Huang Chien-pin inquired today during a questioning session about the possibility of negotiating military or commercial purchases with Japan. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo stated that while he could not reveal too much at present, there is potential for Taiwan and Japan to mutually contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
The Legislative Yuan today invited Premier Cho Jung-tai and heads of relevant ministries to report on the "Compilation Process of the Special Budget Proposal for the First Letter of Offer and Acceptance under the Plan to Safeguard National Security and Strengthen Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities," and to take questions.
Huang Chien-pin stated during his inquiry that if the United States is unable to provide military sales, Taiwan should consider the possibility of negotiating arms sales with other countries. He argued that enhancing national defense cannot rely solely on support from the U.S. and that more negotiations for military and commercial purchases should be held with other nations to increase channels for arms procurement. With Japan having formally lifted its export ban on lethal weapons, he asked if it was possible to request military or commercial purchases from Japan.
Koo stated that according to Japan's "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology," Japan will play a crucial role in the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Japan is now beginning related cooperation with the Philippines and Australia, but according to regulations, a transfer agreement with Japan is still required, thus limiting it to 17 countries for now.
Huang asked if, given the belief in Taiwan-Japan friendship, such an attempt could be made. Koo responded that he could not reveal too much at the moment, but that there are still ways for Taiwan and Japan to mutually contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
In April, the Japanese government revised its "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and its operational guidelines, abolishing the previous restriction that limited exports to five categories such as rescue and transportation, in principle allowing the export of "weapons" with lethal capabilities. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen)
The Legislative Yuan today invited Premier Cho Jung-tai and heads of relevant ministries to report on the "Compilation Process of the Special Budget Proposal for the First Letter of Offer and Acceptance under the Plan to Safeguard National Security and Strengthen Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities," and to take questions.
Huang Chien-pin stated during his inquiry that if the United States is unable to provide military sales, Taiwan should consider the possibility of negotiating arms sales with other countries. He argued that enhancing national defense cannot rely solely on support from the U.S. and that more negotiations for military and commercial purchases should be held with other nations to increase channels for arms procurement. With Japan having formally lifted its export ban on lethal weapons, he asked if it was possible to request military or commercial purchases from Japan.
Koo stated that according to Japan's "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology," Japan will play a crucial role in the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Japan is now beginning related cooperation with the Philippines and Australia, but according to regulations, a transfer agreement with Japan is still required, thus limiting it to 17 countries for now.
Huang asked if, given the belief in Taiwan-Japan friendship, such an attempt could be made. Koo responded that he could not reveal too much at the moment, but that there are still ways for Taiwan and Japan to mutually contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
In April, the Japanese government revised its "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" and its operational guidelines, abolishing the previous restriction that limited exports to five categories such as rescue and transportation, in principle allowing the export of "weapons" with lethal capabilities. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen)