Japanese M270 MLRS
The command of the Japanese ground forces offered to supply Ukraine with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), which are expected to be decommissioned by 2029 fiscal year. No decision has been made on the matter as the country's policy prohibits the export of weapons to conflict zones, the Nikkei reported 10 March 2023. At the same time, in the government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan, the positions of supporters of revising such a ban are now strengthening. During the current debate in Parliament, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his readiness to consider this issue and take the necessary decisions.
The Japanese government was considering exporting weapons to countries that are under invasion such as Ukraine, in a move which is expected to enhance Japan's credibility in the global security arena. The government would also consider exporting weapons to countries that cooperate with Japan on security. The government floated the idea of expanding the number of countries that are eligible for arms exports. The current rules say that Japan can only transfer warplanes, armoured vehicles and missiles to countries which jointly develop and produce the hardware. In fact, only the United States now falls into this category. Public opinion in Japan is opposed to lifting current restrictions.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on lawmakers to amend the export rules. Kishida said that expanding military exports would become a key policy tool for assisting countries which suffered aggression in violation of international law. Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country. This has raised concerns about Japan being in a poor position to lead diplomatic discussions, the report said, adding, that Prime Minister Kishida is the only G-7 leader who had yet to visit Ukraine.
During the Gulf war in the early 1990s, Japan contributed to the United States-led coalition. However, it did not dispatch the self-defence forces personnel, opening the government to criticism.
In February 2023, an association of LDP MPs was also created, who are in favor of more active arms exports. This structure was headed by former Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, who is considered the informal head of the military lobby in the ruling party. Masahisa Sato, a lawmaker of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), suggested sending multiple rocket launch systems to war-torn Ukraine. As Prime Minister Kishida has repeatedly warned about East Asia becoming the next Ukraine, Sato said that in the event of a Taiwan contingency or a Japan contingency, Tokyo would need to ask another country for weapons and ammunition or else it would not have nearly enough. Sato asked whether Japan would be able to ask for weapons when it is in a crisis if it doesn't give to other countries during their crises.
The Komeito party, a junior ruling coalition partner in Japan, is reluctant to open defence exports to weapons. Nikkie reported that Komeito lobbied to remove "as quickly as possible" from the amended National Security Strategy text calling for a revised weapons transfer policy.
Only 16% of those polled in February 2023 by the Nikkei were in favor of arms supplies to Ukraine. This decision was rejected by 76% of respondents.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made a surprise visit to Kyiv on 21 March 2023 and said Tokyo will make 30 million dollars available through NATO trust funds to help Ukraine acquire non-lethal equipment. Kishida announced this at a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kishida said he definitely wanted to visit Ukraine, meet Zelenskyy in person and deliver his country's unwavering solidarity before Japan hosts the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May.
The prime minister denounced Russia's invasion of its neighbor as an outrageous act that undermines the foundation of international order. He said his denunciation became stronger after he saw tragedy in Kyiv and the town of Bucha, where many civilians were found dead after Russian troops withdrew. Kishida indicated that Japan will show its resolve to safeguard rules-based international order, and tackle global food issues at the G7 summit. He promised that Japan will deliver assistance worth 7.1 billion dollars it has pledged, and announced new grant aid of 470 million dollars in energy and other fields.Kishida said Japan will continue providing seamless support, adding that his country will stay with Ukraine until peace returns to its beautiful land.
Zelenskyy said he is deeply happy that Kishida visited Kyiv at a time when Japan serves as the G7 chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
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