China has raised alarms over Japan's proposed relaxation of arms export controls, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning calling it "a dangerous deviation from peaceful principles" during Tuesday's press briefing. The move comes as Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party finalizes plans to revise defense equipment transfer rules by late April 2026.
"We urge Japan to learn from history and avoid repeating past mistakes," Mao stated, referencing the country's wartime legacy. The proposed changes would mark Tokyo's first major overhaul of weapons export policies in a decade, potentially allowing Japanese-made missiles and combat vehicles to reach global markets.
Analysts suggest this development could reshape Asia's security landscape, with neighboring countries closely watching how Japan balances economic opportunities against regional stability concerns. The policy revision is expected to undergo final parliamentary review next week.
