July 14, 2010

The Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) has proposed that the government review the ban on weapons exports.

Nippon Keidanren on July 13 published a proposal concerning a revised version of the National Defense Program Outline which the government is planning to draw up within this year. Nippon Keidanren is expecting the government to reflect its proposal in the Outline.

The proposal calls for a review of the present principle that prohibits exporting arms and providing weapons-related technologies overseas. The proposal also calls on the government to open the door for Japanese corporations to participate in international joint development projects on state-of-the-art military equipment and fighter aircraft.
- Akahata, July 14, 2010