1. Japan’s Basic Position
(1) Japan has consistently contributed to supporting international peace and prosperity since the end of World War II. Japan has consistently adhered to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and has continued to strive to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the international community. Japan’s position is well-known in the international community and is appreciated by many countries, including Cambodia. This position will not change in the future. The claims made by some countries that militarism is returning are far from the truth, Japan’s reality, and the perception of the entire international community.
(2) The entire international community is facing many problems that need to be solved together. Therefore, cooperation between countries is more important than ever. At this turning point in history, Japan believes that it must actively create an international environment of peace and stability while ensuring the peace, security and prosperity of its country and people, and strengthen and maintain an international order based on the values and principles of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. To this end, Japan will cooperate with other countries, including Cambodia, and continue to make diplomatic efforts that lead the world from division and conflict to reconciliation and cooperation.
2. Decision to revise the Three Principles of Defense Equipment Transfers
(1) On April 21 of this year, the Japanese government decided to partially revise the [Three Principles of Defense Equipment Transfers] and [Guidelines for the Implementation of the Three Principles of Defense Equipment Transfers]. In principle, this revision will allow the transfer of all defense equipment including finished products overseas, which will further contribute to regional and international peace and stability. (So far, the transfer of products has been limited to five categories (rescue, transportation, surveillance, and mine clearance).
(2) In the increasingly severe security environment, no country can protect its peace and security on its own. To protect the peace and security of the country and the region, we need partner countries that can support each other in terms of national defense equipment.
(3) Of course, Japan’s national defense equipment is also supported by partner countries. At the same time, we recognize that partner countries in Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, etc. have high expectations of Japan’s national defense equipment. In response to these needs, the transfer of national defense equipment will contribute to improving the national defense capabilities of these countries and preventing the outbreak of conflict.
(4) It is clear that even after this amendment, Japan will continue to uphold its ideals as a peace-loving nation, a principle it has adhered to for more than 80 years since the end of World War II.
(5) When transferring national defense equipment We will comply with international export control frameworks (such as the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Arms Trade Convention), and each case will be strictly examined to ensure that it does not contribute to the destruction of international peace, such as the escalation of conflict, and to ensure proper management.
(6) Regarding equipment capable of killing or destroying, the National Security Council (at the ministerial level) will carefully consider this matter and limit it to countries that have pledged to use it in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, in principle, equipment will not be transferred to “countries where hostilities are assessed to be taking place as part of an armed conflict” (exceptions will be made only in exceptional circumstances, taking into account Japan’s security needs).
