00:00 A plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets developed by Japan in collaboration with
00:05 Britain and Italy to other countries was approved by Japan's cabinet, marking a departure from
00:09 the country's post-war pacifist principles.
00:12 The decision, viewed as contentious, is expected to assist in securing Japan's involvement
00:17 in the joint fighter jet project and aims to bolster the Japanese arms industry while
00:22 enhancing its role in global security.
00:24 In this revision, Japan's arms equipment and technology transfer guidelines were endorsed
00:28 by the cabinet, permitting co-produced lethal weapons to be sold to countries beyond the
00:33 partnership.
00:34 Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated these changes are deemed necessary
00:39 considering Japan's security environment, although he emphasized that Japan's pacifist
00:44 principles remain unchanged.
00:46 Hayashi explained that adherence to a strict approval process for jet sales will be maintained
00:51 to ensure a fighter aircraft meets necessary performance standards and to avoid compromising
00:56 Japan's defense.
00:57 The decision enabled Japan to export lethal weapons it co-produces to other nations for
01:02 the first time, reflecting a shift from its long-withstanding restrictions on arms exports
01:07 under its pacifist constitution.
01:09 The joint effort, based in Britain, is anticipated to provide Japan with advanced capabilities
01:13 amid escalating regional tensions, particularly from neighboring China and Russia.
01:18 Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government has faced criticism for committing to the
01:22 fighter jet project without sufficient public explanation or seeking approval for the major
01:26 policy shift.
01:27 To address concerns, the government has restricted exports of co-developed lethal weapons to
01:32 the jet and has pledged that no sales will be made for use in active wars.
01:36 Furthermore, the revised guideline presently applies exclusively to the jet, with cabinet
01:41 approval mandated for any potential exports, reported U.S. media outlet.
01:45 The government has assured that purchasers will be limited to the 15 countries with which
01:49 Japan has signed defense partnership and equipment transfer agreements.
01:53 Despite divided public opinion on the plan, the cabinet justified this decision, citing
01:57 that the arms export ban on finished products would impede efforts to develop the new jet
02:02 and confine Japan to a supporting role in the project.
02:06 Prime Minister Kishida sought cabinet approval before signing the GCAP agreement in February,
02:11 which was delayed due to resistance from the junior coalition partner, the Buddhist-backed
02:15 Komito Party.
02:16 This policy change coincides with Kishida's upcoming state visit to Washington in April,
02:21 where he is anticipated to underscore Japan's willingness to assume a greater role in military
02:25 and defense industry partnerships.
02:31 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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