By Clint Richards
Larger trade, investment in R&D, and military training point toward a shrinking timeframe for normalization.
The Japanese Defense Ministry is making significant progress in consolidating the practical gains of the government’s new laws allowing for the export of defense equipment and technology, as well as the Cabinet’s new interpretation of collective self-defense. These moves indicate that the ministry and the government are optimistic that these new policies will not incur significant opposition during the special Diet session this fall or the regular session next year. The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in particular is taking the opportunity to implement a comprehensive approach that sees the production of new, Japanese developed arms, creating a regional market for their export in order to sustain the industry, and the training of a new marine force capable of defending remote islands, as envisioned by the new collective self-defense policy.
After reaching a significant defense trade and technology deal with Australia this summer, Japan appears ready to make a much larger foray into regional arms sales after reducing restrictions on its arms exports in the spring. Government sources said on Sunday that Japan plans to hold a seminar in Tokyo this September to pitch the sale of Japanese defense equipment to ASEAN member countries. “Maritime security” is expected to be the main theme, with officials explaining “how Japanese vessels and aircraft could boost the security of ASEAN countries.” The government also said that Japan’s own new defense posture “will improve if ASEAN countries increase their own deterrence capabilities in the face of China’s growing maritime assertiveness.” Japan’s own new rules on arms trade require a defense equipment transfer accord before any defense equipment or technology deal is made, however, given the tense situation between China and some ASEAN members, countries like the Philippines and Vietnam could be expected to quickly sign accords with Japan in order to begin importing military goods, particularly patrol vessels.
Read the full story at The Diplomat