Japan Press Weekly

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2014 February 19 - 25 TOP3 [POLITICS]

JCP Yamashita: lifting Japan’s embargo on arms exports opens gates for ‘merchants of death’

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Yamashita Yoshiki on February 24 criticized the Abe Cabinet’s move to lift the embargo on arms exports for paving the way for the creation of a “country of death merchants”.

In 1976, the Japanese government announced that it will impose a ban on arms exports in order to avoid any possible aggravation of international conflicts in accordance “with Japan’s position as a peace-loving nation”. This policy was approved by both Houses of the Diet in 1981.

The Abe government on February 23 proposed a new guideline on arms trade to allow Japan to export weapons to countries which are not subject to U.N. embargo or violating international conventions such as the Mine Ban Treaty. The new guideline also enables Japan to sell weapons to countries involved in international disputes, including to Israel. This will lead to Japan’s abandonment of its position to refrain from adding fuel to international disputes and conflicts.

In addition, Japan will be able to participate in joint development projects of fighter jets and missiles and to provide munitions to the U.N. and other international organizations.

On the day after the government’s proposal was announced, JCP Yamashita in a press conference held at the Diet building said that lifting Japan’s arms embargo means it is moving into a “country of death merchants”.

In cooperation with a wide range of the general public, the JCP will do its utmost to block the government’s plan as well as its attempt to enable Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, Yamashita added.


Past related article:
> Gov’t plans to abolish three principles banning arms exports [December 13, 2013]