Japan has extended its defence export rules to all categories of equipment.

April revision of the Three Principles

Janes reports that Japan approved revisions to its defence export rules in April, easing the restrictions governing overseas transfers of lethal weapons . The article links that revision to the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology", introduced in 2014 to replace Japan's near-total ban on defence exports . Janes also states that further revisions were adopted in 2023 .

According to Janes, the latest revisions to the Three Principles and associated policies removed the remaining restrictions that had limited Japanese exports to five non-lethal categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping . In May, ATLA told Janes that the revised policies allow transfers across all categories of defence equipment, including finished products, parts, technologies and repair and maintenance services . AP reports that exports of lethal weapons are now permitted under a new Japanese policy . The Janes text does not cite, in the available extract, any Japanese regulatory reference or any separate date of entry into force for those revisions .

Scope cited by ATLA in May

Janes reports that Japan approved a revision of its defence export rules in April, easing restrictions on the overseas transfer of lethal weapons . The outlet links that revision to the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology", introduced in 2014, and then to revisions adopted in 2023 .

According to Janes, the remaining restrictions had until then limited defence equipment exports to five non-lethal categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and mine clearance . Janes writes that the latest revisions to the Three Principles and related policies removed that limit .

In May, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency, part of Japan's Ministry of Defense, told Janes that the revised policies permit transfers across all categories of defence equipment . The scope cited by ATLA covers finished products, parts, technologies and services, including repair and maintenance .

Janes adds that ATLA is also considering the creation of an organisation intended to support defence exports and industrial development . The agency told Janes that the specific measures and implementation arrangements remain under consideration, with no final decision on the functions of the proposed organisation .

Export organisation under consideration by ATLA

Janes reports that the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), an agency of Japan's Ministry of Defense, plans to establish a new organisation to support defence exports and industrial development . The article presents that announcement after the April revision of Japan's rules on transfers of defence equipment .

According to Janes, ATLA links the proposed body to several functions: strengthening the domestic industrial base, advancing transfers of defence equipment and accelerating defence innovation . The agency also told Janes in late May that the transfer arrangements in which the government would take a leading role were still being examined with the relevant ministries and agencies .

Janes states that the specific measures and implementation arrangements remain under review . The article cites no final decision on the functions of the proposed organisation .

Chinese controls on 40 Japanese entities

AP reports that China imposed new controls on 40 Japanese entities on Monday, presenting them as contributing to Japan's remilitarisation . According to AP, 20 Japanese entities, including several divisions of Mitsubishi Corporation, were placed on a control list prohibiting the sale by Chinese and foreign exporters of dual-use goods manufactured in China . AP adds that 20 other entities were placed on a watchlist for dual-use goods, including Mitsui E&S as well as divisions of Fujitsu and Komatsu .

CNBC reports that the expansion also targets drone manufacturers, nuclear companies and Japanese defence institutes . China's Ministry of Commerce, as cited by AP, described the measures as "entirely justified, reasonable and lawful" and said they were intended to "firmly deterring Japan's reckless pursuit of 'new militarism'" . AP also reports that in February, China had placed 20 Japanese companies on a control list and another 20 on a watchlist .