Japan considers weapon exports to Ukraine
Japan is considering exporting weapons to countries fighting an invasion, such as Ukraine.
According to Nikkei Asia, Japan has only sent bulletproof vests and other nonlethal equipment to Ukraine. Under current rules, Tokyo can only transfer warplanes, armored vehicles, and missiles to countries that jointly develop and produce the hardware.
The government and ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have floated the idea of expanding the number of countries eligible for arms exports. Under the changes, nations attacked by invading forces would qualify.
"Expanded military exports will be a key political tool for assisting countries that have suffered aggression in violation of international law," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said earlier.
LDP upper-house lawmaker Masahisa Sato proposed to send multiple rocket launchers to Ukraine. The government and the ruling coalition are expected to start a debate on arms exports as soon as local elections in April.
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On February 28, the Japanese government introduced new sanctions against russia. Seventy-three organizations, one bank of the aggressor state, and 48 individuals, including 39 russians and eight collaborators, fell under the restrictions.
