Japan will allow the export of arms to countries located along sea lanes to ensure the safe delivery of oil and other natural resources, while bolstering Japan's defense cooperation with the United States by providing repair work for U.S. military aircraft overseas, according to a draft of new principles on arms exports.
In the first overhaul in 47 years of the long-held "three principles," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aims to promote exports of defense equipment and technology on condition that they benefit Japan's security.
Japan adopted the "three principles" on arms exports in 1967, blocking the transfer of weapons to communist states, countries subject to embargoes under U.N. resolutions and those involved in international conflicts.