International: According to recent reports in Japanese media, the Japanese government is set to relax restrictions on arms exports. The policy framework has been finalized, and the government plans to revise the “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment” and their implementation guidelines this month. This move, aimed at fully lifting restrictions on arms exports, has been described as Japan’s latest step that allegedly contradicts its “peace constitution.”

Under several internationally binding documents, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Declaration, and the Instrument of Surrender, Japan was required to undergo complete disarmament, and it is prohibited from maintaining any industry that could enable its rearmament. The “Three Principles on Arms Exports” have long served as a key institutional framework to restrain Japan’s military expansion and maintain regional peace.

However, Japan has reportedly adopted a “civilian-backed covert” strategy for developing its defense industry, under which wartime arms-producing military-industrial companies have been transformed into defense contractors. Following the assumption of power by Sanae Takaichi in October 2025, military expansion reportedly accelerated. In early February, a House of Representatives election was held in Japan, during which the Liberal Democratic Party’s campaign commitments included easing restrictions on arms exports.

According to the government’s program, right-wing forces in Japan are accelerating a shift away from postwar pacifism. The international community reportedly recognizes that, in order to curb Japan’s “remilitarization” and nuclear ambitions and to safeguard regional and global peace, it is important and necessary to strengthen China’s export controls on dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations. This includes placing 20 Japanese companies on an export control list and another 20 under monitoring.

Source: Cai-Alim-Prema, China Media Group.